Hamster Wheels

What size wheel to get and why?

For Campbells, Winter Whites, Hybrid Dwarves and Roborovskis it is recommended to get a wheel 8 inches or larger, for Chinese 10 inches or larger and for Syrian hamsters 11 inches or larger. This is so the hamster can run unencumbered and with a flat back, so no spinal issues or injuries occur.

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If a hamster is spinning right round and/or getting flung out of their wheel, they may need a larger and heavier wheel and/or one that has a front on it that causes it to be enclosed a little bit.

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What type of wheel to get?

​Solid wooden or plastic wheels are the safe options available.  Never use wheels with spokes or mesh where hamsters can get their feet trapped and injured, which can cause bumble foot.  Bumble foot is a bacterial inflammatory condition which can enter the foot through injury, cuts or abrasions, which is why it is best to avoid wheels that could potentially cause this.

Wooden wheels can be sealed with something like Plastikote, so if the hamster wees on it, it is easy to clean and does not soak into the wheel.