Best Wheels for Hamsters
Our TOP Pick
(4 / 5)
#1 Kaytee Comfort Exercise Wheel, 8.5″, Large
You can simply place the wheel inside the cage without mounting it as it comes with a stand, or you can attach it to the wire cage.
(4 / 5)Here is a list of Top 4 wheels we Reviewed
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
1. Kaytee Comfort Exercise Wheel, 8.5"   (3.3 / 5) | $ |
|
2. Kaytee – Silent Spinner   (3.4 / 5) | $ |
|
3. Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 9"   (4.4 / 5) | $$ |
|
4. 7” Pet Noiseless Spinners Comfort Exercise Wheel   (4.3 / 5) | $ |
|
5. Ware Manufacturing Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel   (4.2 / 5) | $ |
Contents
Why Your Hamster Needs a Wheel
Have you ever asked why most, if not, all hamster cages have a wheel? Why do they need to run on a wheel, and what happens when there’s no wheel in its cage?
Well, hamsters love to explore in the wild. In fact, it is their nature to run and run and run. But they can’t do that inside a small cage, can they? Thus, the need for a wheel, where they can run as fast and how long as they like.
Wheels are the perfect way to keep your furry friend healthy and happy, as it not only meets their desire to be active, it also keeps them fit and prevents obesity.
Hamsters love to stuff food into their chubby cheeks and without exercise, it’s so easy for them to gain weight and become obese. And when they become obese, they are more prone to health issues such as diabetes and other complications.
Review of 4 Best Hamster Wheels in the Market
1. Kaytee Comfort Exercise Wheel, 8.5″, Large
Made of plastic, and 8.5” in diameter, it’s perfect for any average sized hamster whether a dwarf or a Syrian.
You can simply place the wheel inside the cage without mounting it as it comes with a stand, or you can attach it to the wire cage.
What’s great about free-standing wheels is that you can take it out of the cage together with your hamster and watch it run away as the wheel spins in front of you.
What we liked
- You can get closer to your pet when you use the free standing wheel, when you take it out of the cage.
What we didn't like
- Hamster owners have complained that after a few days of using the wheel, it becomes noisy and squeaky.
2. Kaytee – Silent Spinner
It also comes with a stand so you can place it inside or outside the cage, and it also comes with an attachment that you can place to the wire cage.
The material of the wheel is plastic so there’s no worry about your hamster’s feet getting caught between the wires.
What we liked
- The plastic wheel doesn’t have holes so your hamster’s feet are safe.
What we didn't like
- Some customers say that the screws holding the wheel gets flimsy over time so you’d have to tighten them every once in a while.
3. Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 9″ – Exercise Wheel + Cage Attachment
One of the bestsellers in the market, Silent Runner is a 9” tall and 3” wide wheel that’s made of plastic and features a front plate with natural bean-shaped openings. Your hamster can easily get inside but you won’t have to worry about it falling off the wheel due to the front plate.
There’s also no center axle so there’s also no worry about your hamster’s tail or fur being entangled. The tracks also feature non-slip grip on the running surface so there’s also no worry about your hamster slipping and losing his balance.
What we liked
- It’s one of the most silent wheels in the market today.
What we didn't like
- Because of the front plate, the wheel can become difficult to clean, especially when there are droppings left behind that you didn’t know was there.
4. 7” Pet Noiseless Spinners Comfort Exercise Wheel Large and Easy Attach to Wire Cage
Only for Syrian hamsters and small pets, it’s best for tiny creatures under 3.5 ounces in weight.
What we liked
- The material is durable and it’s also a quiet hamster wheel that’s perfect for hamster cages placed in a bedroom.
What we didn't like
- There are rectangular holes on the wheel and for smaller hamsters, their feet can get inside the holes, leading to wounds and injury.
5. Ware Manufacturing Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel
The material is made of plastic and since there are no wires or screws or bolts or holes, your hamster is completely safe and free from injury, unless it falls off.
What we liked
- It’s safer than wheels and stands on its own.
What we didn't like
- It takes some time getting used to. Some hamsters won’t know what to do when you place them on the saucer at first so they probably won’t be able to enjoy it right away.
How to Choose a Hamster Wheel
There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing your hamster wheel. Let’s take a look at these factors:
1. Size of Your Hamster
Because there are different species of hamsters, your wheel should depend on their size. Smaller hamsters, such as dwarf hamsters, like the winter white or Campbell’s hamsters, require a smaller wheel diameter. A 6.5” diameter wheel is enough for them.
However, if your hamster is of a large species, like the Syrian hamster, the wheel should be at least 8.5” in diameter. In this case consider larger wheels.
If the wheel is too small, your hamster won’t be able to run as much as he likes and it may cause it injury. You’ll know that the wheel is small because your hamster’s back will be arched. When the back is flat, you know it’s the right size.
2. Material of Your Cage
If you have a wire cage, then you can go for a wheel with a wire attachment. If you have a plastic cage, then this won’t do. A free-standing wheel is more ideal.
3. Where the Hamster Cage is Placed
If your hamster cage is placed inside your bedroom, then a quieter wheel is more recommended. Hamsters are nocturnal animals so they love running and being active at night. You wouldn’t want to have your sleep disturbed every night because your hamster wheel is squeaking all night long.
The Bottom Line
Hamsters need exercise and entertainment and a hamster wheel meets both of these needs.
Buying a wheel is essential to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, and that’s the best thing that we can do for them – not just taking care of their basic needs but providing them an avenue to express their natural character.
Fun Facts
How Fast Can a Hamster Run on a Wheel?
On average, a hamster can run for 2-4mph when they run over a long period of time. For short distances, their speed is from 5 to 7mph. Considered to be the fastest rodents, they can run for 1.8miles in a span of one hour.
How Far Can a Hamster Run in One Night?
On average, a hamster can run 9km per night, or about 5 ½ miles.