Can a Hamster Survive Without a Wheel? Things You Need To Know

Hamsters are incredible creatures but keeping them as a pet comes with certain requirements. Since they are accustomed to running in the wild, having them caged up can affect their well-being. Thus, as a solution, most caretakers of this animal attach a wheel for them to run on.

But can a hamster survive without a wheel? Yes is the plain and straightforward answer. It will survive if it can roam free about your home. It might not be as content and healthy, though, as it can be when given a wheel. A wheel essentially takes the place of space.

Throughout this article, we will discuss why it is very important to provide a wheel for your hamster. A wheel can prevent a lot of problems you might not be aware of when taking care of your hamster. So, read along.

Can Hamsters Survive Without A Wheel?

Hamsters can surely survive without a hamster wheel when it is given the opportunity to move around. You would need to release the hamster from its cage and let it run around your house. However, your hamster might still be unhappy and probably unhealthy without it.

This is due to the possibility that they might not be able to go the distances they would if they were in the wild naturally. They are believed to cover up to 5 miles a day. The wheels will make it simple for these energetic young creatures to exercise and expend their energy.

They are highly accustomed to moving around a lot and running. Your hamsters can’t accomplish that because of the small space in their cage. This may result in stress and obesity, which may cause numerous health issues in the future. As a result, many hamster owners view a wheel as necessary for the hamster.

A wheel is listed as an important supply on the BCSPCA’s (The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) hamster care checklist. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA), or the UK similar organization, also emphasizes the necessity of this equipment.

What Happens If A Hamster Isn’t Running?

It is not advised to leave a hamster without its wheel for a long time. Without them, hamsters won’t be able to do a lot of things such as:

Carry Out Instinctual Behaviors

Despite being kept in cages, hamsters are naturally extremely active animals. They are keen to learn about their environment and have a strong sense of curiosity by nature. Wheels substantially satisfy their want to move around and their desire to run.

Exercise And Do Activities

To burn calories and keep a healthy weight, hamsters need to maintain a specific level of activity and exercise. A hamster can overeat, but an exercise wheel acts as a preventative measure.

Being overweight is a condition that can and can lower a hamster’s quality of life, so as owners, we must exercise extreme caution.

Staying Occupied To Prevent Boredom

As mentioned earlier, a hamster in a cage is more constrained and limited in what it can do. Because of this, owners must give their pets opportunities for activities and enough cerebral stimulation. A wheel is an excellent way for a hamster to engage in an activity that requires concentration and entire attention outside of toys.

Can A Hamster Go A Night Without A Wheel?

Due to their nocturnal lifestyle, hamsters are most active at night. As a result, they like to run, move around, or exercise at night. In the daytime, hamsters often only sleep for 6 to 8 hours.

As a result, it is not suggested to let hamsters go a night without it. There could be serious repercussions if you don’t give your adorable little hamster its preferred exercise equipment. It will be detrimental to its health and mood. The physical and mental health of your pet friend depends on regular exercise.

Serious health problems shorten the lifespan of hamsters. Therefore, unless you have a good cause to do so, don’t remove the wheel.

How Many Days Can A Hamster Live Without A Wheel?

Given a hamster can’t run for a reason or can’t have access to a wheel, how long can they live without them? It is difficult to put a certain time, as it differs between the hamster breeds.

But personally, I don’t think it’s fair to bar them from running any longer than a couple of days. Hamsters can turn out quite unhappy, worried, and even highly reclusive if it is unable to expend excess energy by running on a wheel.

On occasion, you might have to take the wheel off for transportation or other safety-related concerns. But do remember to put it back as soon as possible!

Are Hamster Wheels Dangerous?

You might not be willing to get a wheel because of all the rumors you heard about it being dangerous.

If you purchase a plastic wheel with a solid surface and ribs rather than a metal wire one, they are not harmful. It’s because if the hamster accidentally sets its feet upon that rung, it risks trapping and breaking its limbs inside the curved metal wheel.

FAQ

Now to answer a few questions that you might be interested to know.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to including a wheel in your hamster’s cage. In addition, there’s a good reason why many cages already have them set up for you! As a result, a wheel should be viewed as essential rather than desirable for your hamster.

One of the finest ways to give your pet physical, emotional, and mental enrichment is to give them the chance to run. So look after your pet’s wellbeing, and don’t neglect yours as well!