Are Hamster Wheels Safe – Here’s What You Need to Know!
Frankly, if you don’t pay enough attention to it, a wheel could lead to major injury or death of your hamster. Therefore, we advise you to be careful when choosing a wheel for your hamster; otherwise, it won’t do anything but disappoint.
Are hamster wheels safe? Absolutely. It is even more advantageous to have it at home because it helps to keep your hamster healthy and joyful. However, we make this unsafe for hamsters by our own mistake. There are some factors that we never consider when purchasing wheels. You have to make sure the size of the wheels is 10 to 12 inches. It should have a well-designed flat running surface.
Though these wheels involve many dangers, we should work on them. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the hamster enclosures more friendly.
Are Hamster Wheels Safe?
Hamster wheels are perfectly safe for the hamster, but the hamster’s owner must exercise caution. Although it is necessary for hamsters, there are numerous cases where the wheel injures them.
Hamsters are very active animals that enjoy running and walking long distances. When you pet a hamster, they barely have enough room to walk or run. Furthermore, in order to digest food and burn energy, hamsters must travel 4 to 5 km every day. In this instance, a wheel is a tool for problem-solving.
The hamsters use the wheel inside the cage to move around and run around to get their needs met. Therefore, if you can set up a good wheel inside of their cage, it will be very beneficial for them.
However, there are risks involved as well. Wheels are safe, but not completely. To ensure the safety of the hamster, select the appropriate wheel based on the cage and the hamster’s size. Learn what causes terrible wheels and act accordingly. Only then will it be safe for your hamster.
Otherwise, it could be the most difficult situation for them. It has the potential to injure or even kill them.
The Risks of Hamster Wheels?
![The Risks of Hamster Wheels](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Risks-of-Hamster-Wheels.jpg)
There are actually a number of risks involved in this hamster wheel. Though it’s a good tool for exercise, if it is not appropriate, your hamster will easily get injured.
Check out some typical hamster wheel risks.
Leg Stuck
In hamsters, it is very common for their legs to get stuck in the wheel gap, causing them to lose their legs. The wire hamster wheel is responsible for these types of risks. So find one of those wheels that does not have any gaps in the walking area.
A snag prevention factor should be included in the wheels. It should also be properly oiled so that they can walk comfortably. Otherwise, they will become dissatisfied with it and stop walking in it.
Despite the fact that this type of case is not that common, you should still be extra careful about the wheels. Some products may not be properly made for your hamster, which could seriously harm it. So, even if the wheels are fantastic, make sure they are a good fit for your hamster.
Tail and Fur Damage
For hamsters, losing one’s tail while walking on the wheels is nothing new. Even though a hamster’s tail is not as long as a rat’s, it still loses fur and tail when it collides with poorly made wheels.
Therefore, be sure to purchase axle-free wheels for your hamster to prevent the tail from becoming tangled. If you are planning to buy a wired or metal hamster wheel. Make sure it has a mesh design because hamster tails are safe with mesh designs.
Slip Problems
Some manufacturers of wheels don’t use slip-resistant mats in the walking area. As a result, the hamster continuously slips and gets hurt. To avoid this, you have to use slip-less material on the wheels. Additionally, the wheels must be quite large; they must be at least 10 inch hamster wheel.
However, it’s safe to get a 12 inch hamster wheel if your hamster is quite large. Consider the fact that your hamster will always suffer from small wheels.
What Do Good Hamster Wheels Look Like?
![What Do Good Hamster Wheels Look Like](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Do-Good-Hamster-Wheels-Look-Like.jpg)
A good hamster wheel has some positive characteristics. You must be aware of this fact to reduce hamsters’ risk.
Factor | Function |
Wheel Size | It needs to be quite larger; an 8 to 12-inch one should be good for most hamsters. |
Wheel Material | porcelain, metal, and plastic hamster wheel are much safer than wired ones. |
Wheel design | It either has to be an axel-free and mesh design or a totally flat hamster wheel |
Other characteristics | It has to be chew-proof, slip-proof and able to avoid tail snags. |
Durability | It needs to be durable and come with a privacy plate. |
There are actually different types of hamster wheels. You can choose any of them by checking their features.
Why Do Hamsters Run On Wheels?
![Why Do Hamsters Run On Wheels](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Why-Do-Hamsters-Run-On-Wheels.jpg)
The hamster is a wild rodent. It loves to hunt for food and then take it home. A hamster has a routine of running. A normal hamster can walk 6 km to 9 km daily. So naturally, they have an urge to move and walk.
You must be aware of their needs when you pet a rodent, such as a hamster. Because they are confined to a cage, it is your responsibility to create an environment that is beneficial to them. Even inside the cage, they can satisfy their urge to move or walk by walking on a wheel.
They are able to burn extra energy and stay active as a result. In addition, they feel suffocated after eating. Therefore, they search for a place to walk after eating something. That’s why they love to run on wheels.
FAQ
You may find some assistance from the following frequently asked questions.
Do Hamster Wheels Injure Hamsters?
It will not harm your hamster as long as the wheel is perfectly constructed and well designed. Additionally, you need to make sure that your hamster’s wheels fit snugly.
Do Hamsters Get Sick of Running in the Wheel?
No, actually they love to walk on the wheel. They don’t get sick of running on the wheel anyway. If they get tired, they stop walking.
Final Words
Hope you got your answer regarding the question, “Are hamster wheels safe” or not? It is generally believed that wheels are not safe and they are not necessary. But that’s not entirely true. The wheels do involve some risk, but the benefit is much greater than this. Being caged makes it difficult for hamsters to run or walk, so this is really a great tool for them. They can run as much as they want there. On top of that, this actually makes them healthy. They feel less suffocated and stressed.