Wheels

[BulletTheHamster]

Ive been told that wheels with bars can hurt their feet. and hurt their backs.I have a wheel thats plastic with the bar type things. can this really hurt their feet? and if so can someone show me a whee thats better for them please?

[AmityvilleHams]

It still isn't going to be suitable.If the wheel isn't the right size,has any type of bars(metal or plastic)or mesh(metal or plastic),or is not the right style it can cause problems.You need an upright wheel that has a solid running surface which is suitable for your hamster's individual size.If you can find Wodent Wheels online,those are very good as are Comfort Wheels,Silent Runners,and Carolina Storm Express wheels.No matter what wheel you choose it has to be solid and the right size.

[Pebbles82]

Agree. Yes the barred wheels are bad - hammies get injured in them. Exotic nutrition's prices aren't bad for Wodent Wheels. I have the Silent Runner - it's great! Really silent and has a sturdy stand, but wodent wheels are good too. The Carolina Storm wheels are good but only 10" as opposed to the senior wodent wheel being 11" and the Silent Runner at 12" (although it isn't bulky). Is it for a syrian or a dwarf hamster? I've just mentioned syrian wheels.

[oddlyoblivious]

Barred wheels cause something called bumblefoot, and the spacing can cause other injuries. A temporary solution would be to wrap the inside of the wheel in cardboard while you are getting another wheel. Most syrians (Depending on if they are out of UK stock or US pet stock) Need at minimum an 8 inch, with larger syrians doing well with an 11 - 12 inch. Wodent wheels are very popular, and I personally use a 12 inch silent runner from Exotic Nutrition, for the bigger girl. though they do make a 9 inch. The general rule on wheel size is that their back should not curve at all while using the wheel. The wheel itself is perfectly silent, though the hammy foot steps are not. (She sounds like a little toy Helicopter) I have a 6 inch silent spinner, but their 12 inch tends to have problems. Comfort wheels are a cheap if noisy option, and they can be ziptied to the roof of the cage.