The Best Hamster Wheels
Hamsters are a family favorite when it comes to pets because they’re small, quiet, and easy to care for. To keep hamsters happy and stimulated, it’s a good idea to put a wheel inside their cage so that they can run around and burn off some energy. Hamsters are very active critters, moving several miles a day in the wild, and running on a stationary wheel gives them some much-needed exercise. If you want the best hamster wheel for your furry friend, you've come to the right place. When searching for the best hamster wheels, we looked at three things: How smoothly does the wheel spin, how sturdy the wheel is, and how easy it is to clean. Our favorite was the hamster wheel from Niteangel, because it’s quiet, easy to adjust, and comes in several fun colors. One downside is that it doesn’t have a closed design, which some hamsters prefer. We found that the Wodent Wheel from Suncoast is a great closed-wheel option because it has several openings as well as a tail shield that protects your hamster from injuries. Read on for our more in-depth reviews of the best hamster wheels available.
Niteangel Super Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel
You spin me right round
For a great all-around wheel, look no further than this sturdy acrylic model. The base height adjusts so that you can make it easy for your hamster to get in and out, and the solid interior is ribbed so that your hamster has footholds while it runs. It’s also surprisingly quiet, as the only sound you’ll hear is your little hamster buddy huffing and puffing.
Pros:
- The ball-bearing attachment makes this wheel very quiet. And if it does squeak a little, you can add a drop of vegetable oil to the axle for sure-fire silence.
- We like how thick and heavy the acrylic is because the weight keeps the wheel from wobbling while the hamster runs.
Cons:
- The listed measurements are of the wheel’s exterior rather than the interior. In other words, the 10-inch wheel measures 9 inches on the inside. Keep this in mind when you purchase, so you can size up as needed.
Zacro Hamster Exercise Wheel
Back to the basics
Getting all the supplies for a new pet can be quite an investment. If you’re shopping on a budget, we recommend getting a wheel from Zacro. This inexpensive option is still high-quality, and it even boasts steel ball bearings for a smooth spin and a silent operation. Better yet, it’s large enough for full-grown hamsters, and you can place it on the floor of their cage or wall-mount it to save space.
Pros:
- We love how easily this wheel comes apart for cleaning, and the clear acrylic means that dirt can’t hide.
- Hamsters love to gnaw, but the thick acrylic doesn’t fit in their mouth. This means they won’t chew on the wheel and will focus on their toys or wood blocks instead.
Cons:
- The running base is smooth plastic, so there isn’t a lot of traction for your hamster’s feet.
Niteangel Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel
The perfect fit
Dwarf hamsters are about half the size of Syrian hamsters, so it’s important to get them correctly sized equipment. This small wheel is light enough that your dwarf hamster can spin it with ease, and the covered design gives them a feeling of security while running. We also appreciate the adjustable height, since you can raise and lower it a couple of inches to ensure a good fit for the cage and a reachable height for your little friends to clamber up to.
Pros:
- We like how the running surface is padded with cork because it provides grip for our pet and also muffles the patter of tiny footsteps.
- The wheel spins very freely, without sticking, so it makes a smooth and comfortable running surface.
Cons:
- Because the small wheel is lower to the ground, it’s easier for bedding to get stuck beneath it. Make sure to check frequently so that the wheel doesn’t jam.
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner
Hush hush
Hamsters are nocturnal, and the last thing you want is your little friend running around on a squeaky wheel while you try to sleep. This high-quality model is virtually silent thanks to the axle-free design, so the Silent Runner is an apt name. Instead, it rotates on a back plate, so it’s also safer for little fingers and toes. For another great overall option with a bargain price point and clever design, Exotic Nutrition is a safe bet.
Pros:
- If you dislike the classic squeaking sound of hamster wheels, this is the perfect option. The ball bearings are silent while they spin, and the plastic wheel doesn’t squeak like metal.
- The base is made from metal rather than plastic, so it’s very sturdy and stays in place from the added weight.
Cons:
- This wheel tends to wobble if the wing nut gets loose, so you may have to tighten it occasionally.
Suncoast Wodent Wheel
Built to last
Keep your hamster happy for a lifetime with this long-lasting wheel. The plastic wheel is very durable, and it doesn’t come apart easily which reduces its chances of wobbling, squeaking, or breaking. We also appreciate the smooth running surface, since hamsters can jog along without tripping.
Pros:
- This wheel is very roomy, so we found that it’s a great option for Syrian hamsters.
- We feel very comfortable leaving our hamsters with this wheel unsupervised, because the front plate, solid running track, and tail shield mean that they won’t get caught or trapped.
Cons:
- You have to disassemble this wheel entirely to clean it well, which can be time-consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I put my hamster wheel?
Most hamster wheels come with a stationary base, but you can also attach them directly to one of the walls inside your hamster’s cage. If you leave the wheel on its stand, make sure to keep it away from the walls so it has room to spin and check regularly to see that there’s no bedding caught underneath. Attaching the wheel to the wall of the cage saves space, but you should secure it in several places so that it doesn’t move around while your hamster runs.
What size hamster wheel should I buy?
Dwarf hamsters, like Russian Campbells and Roborovsks, only need a 6.5-inch wheel to run around in. If you have a larger breed, like a Syrian hamster, you’ll need to buy a wheel that’s at least 8 inches. A wheel that’s too small forces your hamster to arch its back when it runs, which is bad for its health. If you see your hamster doing this, it’s time to size up the wheel.
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