Polski
Rodent Exercise Wheels – Safe, Quiet & the Right Size (Mouse, Hamster, Gerbil, Dego, Chinchilla)
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Al 14 jaar een begrip!
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Al 14 jaar een begrip!
- Delivery from our own stock
You can order running wheels for rodents quickly and easily at DRD Rodent Shop ®
For many rodents, running is an important part of natural behavior. Think of mice , hamsters , gerbils , chinchillas , and degus . A good exercise wheel provides extra exercise, helps them burn off energy, and prevents animals from just running in circles around the bars. Size and safety always come before price or appearance .
Note: Running wheels are not intended for rabbits and guinea pigs . These animals primarily need plenty of space to run, floor enrichment, and species-appropriate habitat.
Better to choose too big than too small.
Preferably closed and stable.
Tuned for gnawing and cleaning.
Sound, placement and maintenance explained.
Sizing advice: which exercise wheel is right for my rodent?
The most important criterion is simple: your animal must be able to run with a straight back . Do you see a distinct "banana back"? Then the wheel is too small. The sizes below are practical guidelines; if in doubt, always choose a larger size.
| Animal species | Guide size (diameter) | Pay extra attention |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse | ± 20 cm or larger | Stable stance + closed running surface |
| Dwarf hamster | ± 20–22 cm or larger | Back straight, no bars/mesh |
| Golden hamster | ± 28–33 cm | Space in residence + stable placement |
| Gerbil | ± 28 cm or larger | Beware of gnawing: choice of material is important |
| Dego | ± 30–33 cm or larger | Strong rodents: prefer sturdy material |
| Chinchilla | ± 38 cm or larger | Extra sturdy, spacious and stable (weight/impact) |
Which material running wheel should I choose?
Not every material is suitable for every animal. Some species will barely chew on a wheel, while others can be real "destructive." Therefore, choose not only based on appearance, but also on behavior and safety.
- Wood: natural and often quiet. Suitable for many hamsters and mice, but can wear out faster with strong rodents.
- Plastic: easy to clean. Works well if your pet doesn't (or rarely) chew on it; always check for bite/gnaw damage.
- Metal/aluminum: extra sturdy and often ideal for strong rodents (such as degus/chinchillas) that quickly damage wood or plastic.
Safety: what to look out for when using an exercise wheel
- Closed walking surface: avoid bars/mesh/open structures where legs can get in.
- Correct diameter: back straight while running (better too big than too small).
- Stable position: the wheel should not wobble or tilt, especially not with larger/stronger animals.
- No sharp edges: check edges/transitions and screws, especially after mounting.
- Check for gnawing damage: if there are bite marks/tears, replace it to prevent risks.
- Sound & Bearings: A smooth wheel prevents frustration and unnecessary noise.
Practical tips (placement, sound and maintenance)
- Placement: Place the wheel on a flat surface. In a terrarium, you can often place the wheel in a more stable position.
- Noise: A slight knock/rattling noise is usually caused by loose mounting or dirt at the pivot point.
- Cleaning: Wipe regularly; for plastic/metal this can often be done quickly, but for wood, spot cleaning is usually the easiest.
- Alternative enrichment: always combine a running wheel with hiding places and tunnels for a complete set-up.
Also see matching furnishings: Houses , Pipes & Tunnels and Ground Covering .
FAQ Running wheels
How do I know if the running wheel is big enough?
If your animal runs with a straight back (no clear arch), you're good. Not sure? Choose a larger size.
Is an exercise wheel always necessary?
For many species (such as hamsters, mice, and gerbils), exercise in the enclosure is often an important part of the overall experience. However, it remains a fundamental part of the overall system: space, bedding, and enrichment remain just as important.
Wood or plastic: which is better?
That depends on the gnawing behavior and cleaning. Wood is natural and often quiet, while plastic is easy to clean. For strong rodents, a sturdier material is often more practical.
My running wheel is making noise, what can I do?
Check mounting and stability, clean the pivot point and see if the wheel turns freely without binding.
