Hamsters need
proper wheels
Wheels help hamsters get
exercise. And, because
they stay up long after we’ve
gone to bed, wheels also give
hamsters something to do. After
all, we can’t take them out of their
cage to play with them while we’re
asleep!
Wheels are clearly important to
hamsters, but there are so many
different types to choose from. How do
you know which one is the right one
for your hamster?
This plastic wheel is way
more kind on his tiny feet
than the wire wheels!
Big and solid are best
Wheels aren’t just for
hamsters!
for little mo
spaces
use t
f
o
s
ails
Lot
Notice her arched
back? This wheel is
way too small and
hurts to run in!
So, whichever wheel
you pick needs to
be big enough and
comfortable enough
for your hamster to
run on. After all,
he’ll be spending a
lot of time on it!
to
When choosing a wheel, just remember the two Ss: surface and
size. Solid surfaces – like all-plastic wheels – are safer and more
comfortable than wire ones, which can hurt their feet. As for
size, when hamsters run, their back shouldn’t be arched into a
U-shape – that means the wheel is too small! Running like that
can hurt their back.
Other small animals, such as mice, gerbils
and rats, can use wheels too. The same
guidelines apply: find one that won’t
cramp them or catch their feet or tails as
they run.
t–
augh
c
t
ge
ouch!
Bark!
Since we can never give our
pet hamsters that much
space to roam, we give them
wheels instead.
Which Wheel?
H
amsters are very active
animals in the wild. Each
night, they travel many
kilometres looking for food.
7