Cages which are too small to accommodate at least a 6.5″ wheel should be banned. This wheel size is only suitable for a Roborovski hamster (the smallest type). A cage that is too small to fit a 6.5″ wheel can not provide a suitable environment for any species of hamster. Aschoff, J., Figala, J., and Poppel, E. 1973. Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) measured with two different techniques. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology 85: 20-28. Reebs, S.G.; Maillet, D. (2003). "Effect of cage enrichment on the daily use of running wheels by Syrian hamsters". Chronobiology International. 20 (1): 9–20. doi: 10.1081/CBI-120018329. PMID 12638687. S2CID 21925891.

Anyone who’s ever had a hamster before knows that while an exercise wheel is often the joy of your little furballs life, it is conversely nearly always the bain of yours. De Bono, J. P., D. Adlam, D. J. Paterson, and K. M. Channon. 2005. Novel quantitative phenotypes of exercise training in mouse models. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 290:R926–R934. Beaulieu, A.; Reebs, S.G. (2009). "Effects of bedding material and running wheel surface on paw wounds in male and female Syrian hamsters". Laboratory Animals. 43 (1): 85–90. doi: 10.1258/la.2008.007088. PMID 19001065. S2CID 22308514.You can choose whether to hang it from your furry buddy’s cage or leave it freestanding with its handy wire stand and its non-rung plastic surface prevents animals from getting caught. a b c Reebs, S. G.; St-Onge, P (2005). "Running wheel choice by Syrian hamsters". Laboratory Animals. 39 (4): 442–451. doi: 10.1258/002367705774286493. PMID 16197712. S2CID 21311908.

All-In-One Organic Forage Mix | Perfect Hay/Greens Topper for Rabbit, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Chinchilla, Rat and Other Small Animals No, but they aren’t actively noisy like most hamster wheels! Silent spinners are of course designed to be far quieter, but it’s nearly impossible to create a wheel which emits no sound at all. However, don’t let that put you off, as any wheel specifically designed to be noise reducing is definitely not going to keep you up at night! Are metal hamster wheels safe? Choice tests with mice have also shown a preference for larger wheels (17.5cm over 13cm in diameter) and a preference for plastic mesh over rungs and over solid plastic as a running surface. [4] More acrobatic species, such as the canyon mouse ( Peromyscus crinitus) and the deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus) can develop preferences for wheels that force the animals to jump, such as square wheels or wheels with hurdles along the running surface. [5] [6] [7] Use by animals [ edit ] An ocicat on a running wheelOften, hamster wheels sold along with a hamster cage are too small. Despite this fact, hamsters will continue to use the small wheels and over time it can cause damage to the spine. Therefore, these wheels should be replaced with a suitable alternative. Any wheels with spokes or mesh should also be replaced, due to the risk of feet getting caught. a b c Sherwin, C.M., 1998, Voluntary wheel running: A review and novel interpretation, Animal Behaviour, 56: 11–27 The majority of hamster wheels are made from either plastic or metal. Metal is obviously a stronger material and is far more durable than plastic, but it is also harder to clean. Wooden wheels are also available and usually the quietest, however, they require varnishing to prevent stains and don’t last as long. Stands/ Fitting https://www.hamsterwelfare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tiffany-video-how-a-hamster-should-look-in-a-wheel.mp4 This silent spinner wheel is distributed by Sharples Pet they also specialise in tiny cages, edible chews and kapok bedding.