It's a common cliche to see a hamster running in their wheel and most cages even include a little wheel. We know more and more about these cute little rodents, and the care advice is constantly changing and improving as we learn, because we thrive to provide them with the best possible life. So , what size wheel does a Syrian hamster really need?
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Do Hamsters even Need a Wheel?
If you have ever spent any time around a hamster, you may have noticed that they love to run! In the wild, hamsters are known to travel as much as 5.5 miles each night (9 km) while foraging for food. So it's no surprise that pet hamsters also enjoy running and will have to use a wheel to do so when they are kept in captivity.
Wheels are absolutely necessary, they are the most important purchase you will make for your hamster. Wheels help them stay active and healthy, and they help relieve boredom and stress. Hamsters do need to run.
What Wheel do Syrian Hamster Need?
Hamsters absolutely need a solid, upright wheel to run on.
What Size Wheel does a Syrian Hamster Need?
A wheel must be big enough for the hamster to run without arching its back, meaning he will keep a flat back without lifting its nose. Anything else is too small.
The very minimum for a Syrian hamster wheel is 10-14” (26-31cm)+, but they might need a bigger size depending on their body length.
If the hamster back is curved, it's an unnatural position that causes painful discomfort and will lead to back problems.
How can I Check if my Hamster's Wheel is Too Small?
If your hamster's wheel is too small, he may not be able to run comfortably. You can tell if a wheel is too small if your hamster's back is curved when he's using it.
An 11 inch wheel and over might feel too big but your Syrian hamster will thrive with the right size one!
Can I Remove my Hamster Wheel at Night?
No you cannot remove the wheel at night, when it's the time they will need and use it. Hamsters are nocturnal and crepuscular and have no real need for a wheel during the day time as they are mostly asleep then.
It can be difficult to find a perfectly silent wheel, you might need to experiment.
If it gets squeaky, you can try to put a tiny amount of vegetable oil on the axle. Make sure not to use any toxic product, hamsters are curious and will try to leak it to see what it is and you don't want to poison them.
Can Hamsters Run Too Much on a Wheel?
It is unlikely. If your hamster is stressed for any reason, moving to a new environment, being a bit scared of a new wheel or toy, they might run more than usual to destress but should soon calm down and revert back to a more balanced activity.
Just make sure your hamster is not bored, has enough roaming time and enough toys and boredom breakers to offer him a variety of things to do.
Are there Hamster Wheel Alternatives?
There are no alternative to an upright wheel.
You can buy a saucer wheel as an additional toy for them, but in no way can they be a replacement for an upright wheel. All over toys and boredom breakers are a necessary add-on, but not an alternative.
Are there any Wheel Dangerous for Hamsters
Wire mesh wheel or meshed wheel are a big no. They will quickly injure your furry friend, because they lead to foot injury and/ or "bumble feet" – which might sound like a cute name but is in fact a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction of the feet which need immediate treatment.
Wheels with metal bars, cross bar or metal rungs can cause injury by catching limbs, and should be avoided as they have been known to cause breaks or worst amputation of a limb.
Abrasive wheel surface, purchased to trim the hamster nails, are a big no too. They will injure the hamster sensitive paw.
Never use a cleaning track on a wheel!
Can you Trust the Pet Shop to provide the Right Size Wheel?
Unfortunately the advice from some stores is very unreliable and they will often mislead hamster owners. They will suggest cages that are far too small and who often contains a wheel already too small for a baby hamster.
Some pet shops are labelling tiny wheels as being suitable for both Syrian and dwarf hamsters. This is not the case, as tiny wheels are too small for Syrian hamsters and can lead to back problems. Always purchase a wheel that is the right size for your hamster's breed.
The Correct Size Wheel doesn’t Fit in a Small Cage
If your hamster's wheel doesn't fit in its cage, unfortunately it means the cage is too small. The advice from shops can be very dated , and completely inaccurate. Sadly many shops still sell cages that are far too small for hamsters – the very minimum cage size for a Syrian should be 80x50cm (4,000cm2 or 620in2) but you should aim for at least 100x50cm (5,000cm2 or 770in2) or of course bigger.
The bigger the better, but a big enough cage will also have no problem fitting a suitable wheel.
Wheels we Recommend
Here are a few examples of suitable wheels you can find in stores, or more easily online.
- Kaytee Comfort Wheel, 12". Despite being labelled "giant", it's a good size for a Syrian Hamster (the 5.5" is completely unsuitable).
- Savic Rolly Wheel – Giant, 11" , can also be a good choice.
- Trixie wooden wheel, big. You might need to coat in plasticote first.
- Niteangel 11" wheel, large.
What can I do if my Hamster doesn't Use his Wheel
First make sure it's the right size and easily accessible, as hamsters can be fussy. Make sure it 's not blocked by bedding or a bit of cardboard or wood.
You might have to try different types of wheel until you find one your hamster likes.
Try to put the wheel in the play pen too.
You can also scatter feed food around it to encourage the little animal to have a go.
If your hamster has a big tank and a lot of exploring to do in it, they might prefer exploring and spending time in their burrow. Make sure you give them enough free roaming time.
What can I do if my Hamster use his Wheel as a Bathroom
Hamsters can be stubborn little creatures and have decided it's the best way to mark their territory. Make sure they have access to a sand bath to try to redirect their toilet habits.
Sadly you might just have to clean the wheel everyday!
What can I do if my Hamster uses his Wheel to Sleep
Just enjoy this opportunity to check how cute they are when they sleep!
Make sure they have deep enough bedding and plenty of opportunities to burrows, add a chamber in the deep end of the bedding to encourage them to go in, but if they are happy sleeping, let them be. If they add bedding and block the wheel, you will just have to clear it to allow the wheel to spin easily.
To Sum it Up
Syrian hamsters are the largest breed of hamster and require a wheel that is appropriately sized. A good size wheel for a Syrian hamster is around 12 inches in diameter. If the wheel doesn't fit in the cage, it means the cage is too small.
Wheels are extremely important for the well being of your little furry pet, they need to have free and unlimited access to the right size safe wheel. The tricky part is to find the most silent one that keep them happy while allowing their owner to sleep in peace.