Trixie Wooden Exercise Wheel, Large ø 28 cm (for rats, hamsters, degus)

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Another preference is a solid running surface; one that doesn't trap or catch your hamster's feet. Avoid wheels with rungs or anything that looks like it could have snare points - wire laddered wheels are particularly risky, even if they look like a cheaper option. Injuries can lead to the nasty foot infection bumblefoot. A lot of owners prefer solid metal wheels because they cannot be gnawed or chewed. Noise Smaller hamsters, such as the dwarf species, will benefit from a smaller six and-a-half inch wheel, while larger breeds, such as the Syrian (golden) hamster, will be best suited to the larger eight inch wheel. It's worth considering the later point because too small a wheel could cause problems with your hamster's spine and posture. Surface and material A silent wheel is best for those owners who hate the noise/squeak that a regular wheel makes. If your hamster’s cage is in the same room as where you sleep, you are better off with this one. Hamsters are known to be most active at night. I let my hamster use a regular plastic one and boy, it woke me up all the time! Wooden Wheel Now that you know the best large hamster wheels in the market and which sizes are safe to use, you are one step closer to making your hamster’s life enjoyable and safer. If you’re in doubt, seek advice on these Facebook support groups. Here at Hamster Wheels, we think there's nothing more adorable than spinning hamsters. Mull it over for a second...we're right aren't we! So that's why choosing the right wheel for your hamster is just sooo important - good job we're here to help then isn't it?! This simple guide on choosing a hamster wheel will make sure that it's your hamster (and not you) getting the run around.

Try and decide whether a saucer or wheel is the better design for your hamster. Remember that a larger hamster would require a bigger flying saucer, which could take up a lot of room in their cage. Therefore flying saucers can often be a better choice for smaller hamsters, but it really is up to you. To provide a suitable environment and to protect hamsters from pain and suffering the following changes need to be made so that pet keepers are not breaking the law: The new wooden wheel is cork lined, which is a feature for grip and comfortable running that we have seen on other ethical wheels. This is a great improvement on a previous design that was temporarily sold and then removed by Pets at Home where the wheel had wooden slats and it was reported that it caused a bloody injury to a hamsters foot. That wheel gave some indication that Pets at Home where wiling to change but they hadn’t quite got it right. The new cork lining in this wheel seems like a sensible feature. Over the years it has been frustrating to see Pets at Home advertising wheels that are only 12cm in diameter as being suitable for Syrian hamsters and not providing an alternative larger suitable wheel for hamsters. The new 28cm wheel could be the start of phasing out this unsuitable mis-labeled wheel that is still for sale.Hamsters are protected by The Animal Welfare Act, it makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include the need: As well as classically helping your hamster improve health, balance and agility, this wheel is made from 100% wooden material, creating an incredibly smooth motion unlike plastic, reducing the likelihood of annoying noises. Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz ( TVT) recommends wheels should be at least 20cm (8″) for Dwarf Hamsters and at least 30cm (12″) for Syrian Hamsters, since smaller diameters lead to permanent spinal curvatures, especially in young animals. “ The research also found that hamsters use their wheel for an average distance of 8.3km per night. Often, hamster wheels sold along with a hamster cage are too small. Despite this fact, hamsters will continue to use the small wheels and over time it can cause damage to the spine. Therefore, these wheels should be replaced with a suitable alternative. Any wheels with spokes or mesh should also be replaced, due to the risk of feet getting caught.

These type of wheels often comes with the hamster cage, however, it makes a really loud noise. If it makes a noise to the point that you can’t sleep, you should get a silent wheel instead. If the hamster sleeps in another room, then you should be fine. Flying Saucer It is a criminal offence to ignore the requirements of The Animal Welfare Act: – to provide a suitable environment and to protect your pet from pain, injury and suffering. When selling unsuitable products retailers are misleading you as a customer to break the law. Cages which are too small to accommodate at least a 6.5″ wheel should be banned. This wheel size is only suitable for a Roborovski hamster (the smallest type). A cage that is too small to fit a 6.5″ wheel can not provide a suitable environment for any species of hamster. Some hamsters simply don’t like using a large hamster wheel. If that’s the case, you can try a flying saucer, which is flatter or has more upright wheels. This is a controversial topic because it takes so much floor space and also sends the hamsters flying when they go too fast. Blue Cross is one of the UK’s leading animal charities established over 125 years ago, they recommend the following hamster wheel sizes for different species:Sadly, vets still report cases of obesity among rodents as a result of poor husbandry. Extreme cases have resulted in paralysis or death. Another solution is to put extra bedding just under the wheel, which could prevent the wheel to run too fast.