Best dwarf hamster wheels reviews
Exercise wheels are an essential accessory for any hamster cage, which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the best hamster wheels, types of hamster wheels, and how to choose the best exercise wheel for your pet.
Hamster wheels help hamster owners keep their pets healthy while also keeping them entertained. Both dwarf and Syrian hamsters enjoy running and will run for miles in their natural habitat, so the exercise wheel is an ideal outlet for this instinctive behavior.
If you go to your local pet store, you will most likely be confronted with a plethora of different hamster wheel options. Silent spinners, metal wheels, wooden wheels, saucer wheels, exercise balls – it’s all a bit much! Not to worry, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s get started.
Why do hamsters require an exercise wheel?
Hamsters are designed to run.
When hamsters awaken from their nesting area, it is natural for them to run and explore. In the wild, hamsters will emerge from their burrows at night and travel for miles and miles scavenging for food, water, and nesting supplies.
A hamster wheel is arguably as essential as your pet’s food and water bowls. Hamsters simply must exercise every day, and if they are unable to do so, their health will quickly deteriorate.
The more closely you can mimic a hamster’s natural environment and habitat, the better.
Regular exercise results in a healthy pet who lives a long and happy life. Boredom can also be an issue when keeping an animal in a small space, and the exercise wheel is an excellent remedy for this – it can help satisfy your hamster’s natural curiosity.
Did you know: Hamsters have been known to run around 5-6 miles (10km) every single night!
In the wild, hamsters are preyed upon by a variety of predators, including foxes, cats, snakes, hawks, owls, coyotes, and even humans! They must be fast runners in order to escape this list of agile hunters.
Size guide for hamster wheels
Hamster wheels come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the variety of hamsters! Whatever type of hamster you have, it’s critical to get an exercise wheel that is the right size and shape for your pet.
Of course, a Syrian will require a larger wheel than a dwarf hamster.
Watching your pet run and observing its posture is one of the best ways to determine whether your hamster wheel is large enough.
When running on a wheel, your hamster’s back should be completely straight; if it’s slightly bent or arched, the wheel is probably too small and it’s time to upgrade.
Dwarf hamster wheel size
Because dwarf hamsters are small and delicate creatures, they require a small and lightweight exercise wheel.
The Roborovski hamster is the smallest of the species, reaching a maximum size of about 2 inches. The slightly larger Campbell’s and Winter White hamsters typically reach around 4 inches in length, while the Chinese hamster, while not a true dwarf species, can reach 4.5 inches.
Remember to choose a lightweight wheel for dwarfs so they can easily turn it, and make sure your hamster’s back is straight when running to ensure you have the right size wheel for your pet.
Roborovski minimum wheel size = 4.5 inches (diameter)
Campbell’s dwarf hamster minimum wheel size = 6.5 inches (diameter)
Winter White minimum wheel size = 6.5 inches (diameter)
Chinese hamster minimum wheel size = 6.5 inches (diameter)
Syrian hamster wheel size
Syrians are the largest of the pet hamster breeds, necessitating a slightly larger wheel. Syrians can grow to be 7 inches tall, so selecting a wheel with a large diameter is critical.
Syrian hamsters are also much stronger than dwarf hamsters, so they can easily move the heavier hamster wheels, whereas a dwarf would struggle to move a wheel with any real weight.
A Syrian hamster will need an exercise wheel that is at least 8 inches wide, but you may need to buy a slightly larger one as your pet grows or if your particular Syrian grows to be larger than average – genetics play a role in this as well!
The various types of hamster wheels
There are a few minor differences between hamster wheel brands, and some exercise wheels are better suited to specific hamsters or cage configurations.
For example, not all hamster wheels must be attached to a specific area of the cage.
- Freestanding hamster wheels have their own built-in stand and can be useful if you don’t have enough room to attach your wheel to the cage’s side. They are also much quieter hamster wheels because they rattle less against the cage.
- Fixed hamster wheels can be attached directly to your cage, and many hamster cages come with one built in (though they aren’t the quietest!). Fixed hamster wheels are less likely to overturn than freestanding ones, but they make slightly more noise. There are quiet hamster wheels that attach to your cage, but they are less common.
Freestanding hamster wheel benefits:
- Place anywhere in your cage
- Useful for aquariums and non metal wire enclosures
- Silent wheels available
- Less noise caused by rattling
Fixed hamster wheel benefits:
- Saves space within your cage
- Less likely to topple over
- Often cheaper to purchase
Hamster exercise wheels are also made from a variety of materials. Your local pet store will have a variety of metal, wood, and plastic wheels.
⬥ Metal wheels are less common, but they last much longer and are easier to clean than plastic or wooden wheels. Metal wheels are extremely strong and durable, as well as very quiet. This material is also less likely to be chewed on by your hamster, whereas plastic and wooden wheels may end up being used as chew toys by your pet!
The only issue with metal wheels is that they can be rough on a hamster’s delicate feet. The best way to avoid problems is to choose a metal wheel with a completely smooth surface. Rough metal surfaces should be avoided because they can cause injuries.
⬥ Plastic wheels are the most common option, and a wide variety of plastic exercise wheels are available. The cheaper plastic wheels are often very loud and squeak after a few months of use, which is definitely a sleep disruptor!
Having said that, higher quality plastic wheels are quiet, and some even come in the form of silent spinners. Plastic wheels are inexpensive, making them easy to replace if you need to upgrade, and they come in a wide range of colors and designs.
⬥ Wooden wheels can be very quiet, but they are often difficult to clean and bulky, taking up more space in your cage. Wooden wheels are more durable and stable than plastic wheels, making them an excellent choice for a freestanding exercise wheel.
How to choose the best hamster wheel for your pet?
Because hamsters are nocturnal creatures, you don’t want a squeaky wheel keeping you awake all night! Unless your hamster cage isn’t in your bedroom, you’ll probably want to invest in a silent hamster wheel so you can sleep soundly while your hamster burns calories.
It is also important to purchase a stable hamster wheel that will not tip over when in use. If a hamster runs at top speed, some lightweight freestanding wheels can easily topple over. Fixed hamster wheels are unlikely to fall over anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a stable freestanding wheel; there are plenty of good options available.
Exercise wheels with holes on the running surface should be avoided as they can easily cause injuries. Hamsters have very small feet that can easily become trapped in small holes, which you don’t want to happen when your hamster is running fast!
A durable hamster wheel should easily last your pet’s lifetime, and while they are slightly more expensive, you will never have to replace a wheel that is built to last. Remember that your hamster wheel is going to get a lot of wear and tear from your pet chewing and running for miles every night.
The surface of your hamster wheel is also essential.
Whether you have a plastic, wooden, or metal wheel, the running surface should be smooth and safe for your pet. As an added safety measure, some wheels now have a non-slip running surface, which is ideal for a hamster.
Here’s a quick summary of what to look for:
- Use a silent wheel (or you’ll be up all night!)
- Stable and unlikely to topple over when in use
- Avoid wheels that have holes or gaps on the running surface
- Spend a little extra for a durable wheel that’s built to last
- Always look for a smooth running surface
- Wheels that use non-slip materials are ideal
Reviews and ratings for hamster wheel
Below, we’ll look at some of the best hamster wheels, as well as their individual advantages and disadvantages.
Kaytee Comfort Wheel – The Best Hamster Wheel For A Syrian
- Price: $8.99
- Overall rating: 8/10
- Size: Available in 8.5 and 12 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Stand type: Both freestanding and fixed to cage options
The Kaytee Comfort wheel is a popular hamster item for good reason! The 8.5-inch wheel is large enough to accommodate fully grown Syrian hamsters and has a simple but effective design.
This wheel can be attached to the side of your cage or used freestanding with its floor stand. This wheel has clearly been designed with safety in mind, with a solid running surface that will be easy on your hamster’s feet.
Unfortunately, this is not a quiet hamster wheel, so it is best suited for cages that are not kept in a bedroom.
Pros:
- Can be free standing or attached to wire cage
- Comfortable size for Syrian hamsters
- Soft running surface
Cons:
- This is a somewhat loud exercise wheel
Kaytee Silent Spinner – The Best Hamster Wheel For A Dwarf Hamster
- Price: $10.99
- Overall rating: 9/10
- Size: Available in 4.5 and 6.5 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Stand type: Both freestanding and fixed to cage options
Because of its sturdy construction and quiet design, the Kaytee silent spinner has become a favorite among dwarf hamster owners. People who have used this cage report that it does make noise when their hamster runs at top speed, but the clever design cancels out the majority of the noise.
To reduce noise, the silent spinner has an enclosed spinner hub. You can use it as a freestanding wheel or directly attach it to any wire cage. The soft plastic surface is ideal for your pet’s sensitive feet.
Pros:
- A very quiet hamster wheel
- Use as a freestanding or fixed wheel
- No small gaps or holes where food can get trapped
Cons:
- Does release some noise at high speeds
Mcage Running Wheel – The Best Hamster Wheel For A Roborovski
- Price: $12.88
- Overall rating: 8/10
- Size: 6 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Stand type: Both freestanding and fixed to cage options
Because of its size, weight, and durability, the Mcage running wheel is ideal for anyone who owns Roborovski hamsters. Your robo hamsters will have no trouble moving this lightweight wheel, which also has the added benefit of being nearly silent.
Pros:
- Very quiet
- Lightweight
- Perfect size for Robos
Cons:
- Not available in most pet stores
- Too small for other dwarf hamsters
Wodent Wheel – The Best Closed-Off Hamster Wheel
- Price: $28.95
- Overall rating: 8/10
- Size: 11 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Stand type: Free standing
This 11-inch hamster wheel is a good size and has a wall-to-wall tail shield to keep your pet safe. The Wodent wheel is one of the more durable exercise wheels available, and the closed-off design prevents your hamster from falling.
The only disadvantage of this wheel is that it can be difficult to clean. Scrubbing the running surface is difficult because the front compartment is not removable.
Pros:
- Solid, durable design
- Offers something different with a closed-off design
Cons:
- More expensive than the other hamster wheels
- Hard to clean
Legendog Wooden Wheel – The Best Wooden Hamster Wheel
- Price: $14.98
- Overall rating: 7/10
- Size: Available in 7 and 9 inches
- Material: Wood
- Stand type: Free standing
With a ‘completely noiseless’ design, the Legendog wooden wheel is both stable and sturdy. Some hamster owners report that this wheel occasionally clicks, but it is noticeably quieter than the more common plastic hamster wheels.
Because it is made of natural and non-toxic materials, your hamster can use it as a wooden chew toy. There are no gaps or holes for your pet’s feet to get caught in, as there are on metal wire wheels.
Pros:
- Sturdy build
- ‘Completely noiseless’ design
- Also used as a chew toy
Cons:
- Doesn’t fix to any cage
- Wood is generally harder to clean than metal and plastic
E-Z Roller Exercise Wheel – The Best Metal Wire Wheel
- Price: $10.42
- Overall rating: 7/10
- Size: 6 inches
- Material: Metal
- Stand type: Free standing
This is a wire mesh hamster wheel that has been designed to keep feet and tails from becoming entangled. It’s a 6-inch wheel that’s ideal for dwarf hamsters, and the lightweight design takes up little space in a cage.
Your hamster won’t be able to chew through this wheel, so it will last a little longer. However, some hamster keepers report that this wheel does start squeaking after a while.
Pros:
- Wire mesh provides extra grip
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t take up much room in a cage
Cons:
- Wire mesh wheels can be hard for very small dwarf hamsters to use
- May start squeaking after time
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner – The Best Silent Hamster Wheel
- Price: $39.99
- Overall rating: 10/10
- Size: Available in 9 and 12 inches
- Material: Metal & plastic
- Stand type: Free standing
If you’re looking for a truly silent hamster wheel, look no further. Exotic nutrition has designed a silent hamster wheel with a soft running surface and non-slip running tracks.
Ball bearings (common on metal wheel designs) are used in the silent runner to allow the wheel to roll completely smoothly and silently. Another safety feature is that the wheel has no center axle, which reduces the risk of spine injury and tail entanglement.
Pros:
- A truly silent hamster wheel
- Superior build quality
- Lots of extra safety features
Cons:
- More expensive than the other wheels on this list
Petzilla Exercise Wheel – A Silent Wooden Hamster Wheel
- Price: $15.99
- Overall rating: 9/10
- Size: Available in 7.5 and 9 inches
- Material: Wood
- Stand type: Free standing or fixed to cage
Petzilla’s hamster wheel has a unique design and a sturdy wooden construction that will last a hamster’s lifetime. This wheel is extremely quiet (just be sure to properly fit it) and has a wooden track that your hamster will not be able to chew away.
If you have a Syrian, go with the larger wheel because the smaller version is prone to toppling over at high speeds.
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy
- Unique design
- The only silent wooden hamster wheel
Cons:
- Hard to clean
- Smaller version will topple over on Syrians
Be Good Pet Exercise Wheel – Best Non-Slip Wheel
- Price: $12.55
- Overall rating: 7/10
- Size: 8 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Stand type: Free standing
This is a great all-around plastic hamster wheel that is much more durable than standard pet-store wheels. The wheel is completely detachable, allowing for simple installation and cleaning. This wheel also has a non-slip running surface that works exceptionally well.
Plastic wheels can sometimes provide less grip for a hamster’s feet, but this is not the case with the Be Good Pets wheel. It is also very quiet and large enough for a Syrian to run without arching its back.
Pros:
- Very quiet
- Non-slip surface
- Perfect size for Syrians
Cons:
- Not as high-quality as the more expensive wheels
- Prone to chewing
The Hamster Wheel Car (Critter Cruiser)
Here’s something a little different from your typical wheel!
The Critter Cruiser is a fun little hamster wheel that allows your pet to get out of its cage and explore the world. This is the ideal holding area for your hamster while you clean its cage, and nothing beats watching your hamster run across the floor behind the wheel of a car!
There are three different settings on the wheel. The top setting allows the car to remain stationary while your hamster runs around, the middle setting allows your hamster to actually move the car by running, and the lowest setting allows you to combine the wheel with the Kaytee Hamtrac.
Exercise balls vs. Hamster wheels
Hamster balls are a great alternative to wheels because they allow your pet to run in a much larger area and allow hamsters to explore like they would in the wild. To keep your pet healthy and reduce boredom, it is always best to use both hamster balls and wheels together. 15-20 minutes is plenty of time for a hamster to run around in a ball; just keep it away from the stairs!
Silent hamster wheels: Are they real?
Silent hamster wheels may appear to the hamster keeper to be a miracle, especially if you’ve experienced the agony of a squeaky wheel keeping you awake all night! Unfortunately, while some hamster wheels are very quiet, very few are truly silent.
Many silent hamster wheels have been constructed so that the spinning motion makes no noise at all, but the act of a hamster running on a wheel is difficult to conceal. Even if you use a silent hamster wheel, you’ll still hear your pet’s feet hitting the surface of the wheel.
A lot of this is also determined by how fast your hamster runs. If your hamster is an aggressive runner who quickly reaches top speed, you will notice some noise coming from the wheel. Most good silent wheels are truly silent only when a hamster runs at a slower pace.
That’s all there is to know about hamster wheels! Hopefully, you’re less overwhelmed by the various hamster wheel options and have a good idea of which wheel you’d like to buy. If you have any questions about hamster care, please leave them in the comments section below.
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