Can Hamsters Survive Without Wheels??

[Creampuff]

Hello everyone, can hamsters survive without wheels? I do have a wheel in my hamster cage, but my hammy doesn't seem to go on it. If she is in it, she's just sitting in the wheel. This may be because she had a different type of wheel at the pet store I got her from. Do you think I should get that type, or just see if she figures out the wheel I have? Thanks!

[Pebbles82]

What kind of hamster do you have and what size wheel is it ? (Diameter). If it’s too small they may not use it as it’s uncomfortable. If it’s a new baby dwarf they may still be working out what to do with it But yes they do need wheels - especially at night.

[Creampuff]

Thank you! The wheel can't be too small; it's a 12" wheel. I think my hamster is a teddy bear hamster, or at least a cousin to a Syrian. Could the wheel possibly be too big?

[alpacassei]

It’s not too big dont worry. Does it spin easily and snoothly though? Also is it loud? It might not work properly

[Pebbles82]

Is it a 12” silent spinner? If so take it back for a refund! They are notoriously stiff and hard to spin since a manufacturing change a few years ago. A good free spinning (and actually silent) wheel is the 12” silent “runner” or am 11” Wodent wheel or 11” Trixie wheel. If it isn’t a silent spinner, check it isn’t jammed up with bedding or something.

[Creampuff]

Yes, it is a silent spinner! Also, do you think she'll figure out a regular wheel? At the pet store I got her from, her wheel was a saucer type. It was flat and round. Do you think she needs that type, since she's used to that? Also, thank you for the suggestions of wheels!!

[Pebbles82]

No problem. Any other wheel would be fine I think. Honestly I think they should change the 12" Silent Spinner or scrap it! Either of the other wheels mentioned (as would most wheels) will spin freely and she will have no problem using them. The problem with a saucer wheel is it's fine as an additional wheel, but not really as the only wheel, because they don't run in a particularly good position on a saucer wheel - they don't always run on it correctly and can end up running a bit "bent". So an upright wheel is better as they run in a good position. Also a saucer wheel needs to be 12" for a Syrian.

If you're in the UK there are two silent wheels - the wood/cork 28cm Trixie wheel from Zooplus which is about £9 but needs plastikoting, and the 12" Silent "Runner" which is about £25 but is a really good wheel - and can also be bar mounted (although the bar attachments cost extra). Quiet wheels are the 28cm plastic trixie wheel.

In the US the Silent "Runner" is less expensive (importing costs extra in the Uk) and is sold by Exotic Nutrition - who also sell the 27cm wodent wheel which is fine too - quiet but not silent.

She will have no problem running in any of those - they will probably start to move as soon as she gets in and she'll get the hang of it. Whereas with the stiff Silent Spinner it doesn't move easily so they don't get the hang of it - or it's too hard to push to make it move.

US

https://www.exoticnutrition.com/Prod...r)__43673.aspx

https://www.exoticnutrition.com/Prod...-11__WW11.aspx

Trixie wheel is available in the US too at a cost! But the Silent Runner is better for the same price.

https://www.amazon.com/Trixie-Exerci...gateway&sr=8-1

UK

https://sugarglidershop.co.uk/produc...nner-12-wheel/

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small..._wheels/609617

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small..._wheels/174195

[Fluffagrams]

In answer to your original question hamsters can 'survive' without wheels but most hamsters will benefit from a wheel in their cage and even though some may not appear to use them much, they often do during the night/evening. However I had a very lazy boy who genuinely did not use his wheel so after a few months I took it out and swapped it for something that he would get more enjoyment out of. He was fine with that and I never once had any problems with his behaviour that would suggest that he was unhappy. I will mention that he was bred from show lines where having a laid back temperament is an advantage. His son is exactly the same.

There me also be occasions when a hamster needs their wheel removed for welfare reasons such as whilst they're recovering from an illness or an injury. Another one of my hamsters has never had a wheel in her cage because she has scarring in her respiratory tract which is aggravated by excessive exercise. She only has use of a wheel at play times when she can be supervised. Because she's never had a wheel in her cage, I've never had issues with her behaviour.

Cases like this tend to be in the minority though and from what you have said, it sounds like it may be beneficial to try another type of wheel first. I use the Trixie wheels. They're not silent but they're pretty cheap to replace and are quite easy to clean. I do have a Silent Runner and it's a nice wheel, very quiet but rather pricey and I didn't find it as easy to clean as the Trixie wheel.

[alpacassei]

Originally Posted by Creampuff

Yes, it is a silent spinner! Also, do you think she'll figure out a regular wheel? At the pet store I got her from, her wheel was a saucer type. It was flat and round. Do you think she needs that type, since she's used to that? Also, thank you for the suggestions of wheels!!

Upright wheels are generally recommended over saucers but I’ve had several hamsters that would only use flying saucers. One of my current hams,Stormy, will only use a saucer and she’s perfectly healthy and happy.

Syrian size saucers take up a lot of space which isnt ideal but it’s worth trying one out since they’re usually pretty cheap and can be used in playpens/out of cage as well.

[Creampuff]

Okay, thank you for the suggestion!! Creampuff has been using her wheel (I just caught her using it ), but I noticed she can only run one way, and it seems hard for her to spin. I will definitely look into some other options - I really like how the 12" silent "runner" looks, so I'll see if a store near me have it. Thank you so much for helping me!!