Anyone who’s ever had a hamster before knows that while an exercise wheel is often the joy of your little furballs life, it is conversely nearly always the bain of yours. Smaller dwarf and roborovski breed hamsters don’t require a huge wheel, and something between 16 cm and 18 cm should suffice!

My previous gerbils never chewed them much but my current gerbil Twiglet succeeded in detaching her wheel from its stand. A small wheel can cause permanent injury to your hamsters back, leaving your hamster in unnecessary pain and discomfort. Going by the description the manufacturer is clueless (small - hamster large - rat) but it is a sturdy and smoothly spinning wheel that also attaches to a barred cage. This wheel features a 'part covered' plastic front which helps to prevent your hamster flying out at top speed.They are designed to prevent your pet's feet from getting caught in the spokes, which can cause injury. In addition, Hamster cages which are too small to fit an adequate sized wheel should also be banned. It has a cork running surface which is safe for gerbils' feet, but some gerbils might chew the cork.

The new 28cm wheel could be the start of phasing out this unsuitable mis-labeled wheel that is still for sale. Wooden wheels are also available and usually the quietest, however, they require varnishing to prevent stains and don’t last as long. You can choose whether to hang it from your furry buddy’s cage or leave it freestanding with its handy wire stand and its non-rung plastic surface prevents animals from getting caught. 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. This would not be comfortable for larger breeds such as Syrians though, and if your hamster is a portly species you’re best off purchasing a wheel of 20 cm or more.You are currently viewing our community as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access some of the features of our community.

They also make 12 inch metal wheels in various colors, and I wouldn't go smaller than that with Syrians just to be completely safe - something bucket wheels are severely lacking in terms of wheels like the Carolina ones which are somewhere around 10 inches or just over in diameter which isn't going to work for many Syrians as it would be too small for them to properly run with a flat back. Thanks for the review LilyandDaisy, I was looking for a wooden wheel for my gerbils as the 11" plastic wheel they have they would occasionally chew which I didn't feel too comfortable with.Pets at Home supplies the majority of hamsters to the UK population so it is very positive that they now also offer an adequate sized wheel at the point of purchase. Hammy originally had the open front smaller Savic from a baby til I swapped it for the Trixie so think he just got used to an open wheel where he can jump in and out. Made from high-quality materials, these wheels are built to last and provide endless hours of entertainment for your pet. These include problems such as bone and muscle degeneration, which can in severe cases lead to paralysis!