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Are Saucer Wheels Good for Hamsters?

are saucer wheels good for hamsters

Hamsters are small rodents that are kept as a pet. They are nocturnal, i.e., they are more active at night. They have lots of energy which means they require a lot of exercise. They run for miles in a single night, i.e., four-five hours a night. Running on wheels makes them fit and healthy. Hamsters easily get obese or have a weight problem if they don’t exercise. Insufficient activity leads to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in some hamsters.

Flying saucer wheels are a safe, quiet, and fun alternative wheel type for hamsters. It helps them stay in shape. The flying saucer features a slant running surface. It is perfect for hamsters that like to run together. For example, dwarf or Robo hamsters can run together in this flying saucer wheel. 

Flying saucer wheels are suitable for hamsters only if the size of the wheel is correct for their sizes. For example, dwarf hamsters cannot run on large wheels because they will fly off and can get injured. Similarly, Syrian hamsters cannot run on small wheels because they will not fit on them. So choosing a proper-sized saucer wheel for hamsters is mandatory, or they will get injured.

Why does a hamster need a wheel?

Hamsters need a flying saucer wheel to get enough exercise. Running on a flying saucer wheel for hamsters matches their actions in the wild, which is normal. Hamsters are active in their natural environment, where they spend their time running, burrowing, and gathering food. They are prey to several animals, so they run to stay alive. The flying saucer wheel helps them maintain this behavior in their natural environment in captivity.  

Are flying saucer wheels good for hamsters? 

The flying saucer wheel has a wide running surface and quality construction. According to ASPCA, hamsters travel up to five miles a day in their natural environment. Flying saucers wheels are good for hamsters and all other rodents. It has small grips so that hamsters can run safely and freely. The grippers prevent slipping. This silent spinning wheel provides a safe way for small hamsters to get exercise. The small flying saucer wheel is perfect for Robo and dwarf hamsters. But it is too small for Syrian hamsters. They get curved in the flying saucer wheel. But overall, it is good and safe for hamsters. 

Pros and Cons of flying saucer wheels for hamsters

Saucer shaped exercise wheel
Saucer shaped exercise wheel for hamsters

Running is a good exercise for hamsters. The flying saucer is the best wheel for a hamster for movement. But everything has its pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of flying saucer wheels for hamsters.

Pros of flying saucer wheel for hamsters

  • Running on a flying saucer wheel makes them stay fit and healthy.
  • Exercise makes them less stressed, which helps reduce stress-related issues such as a wet tail.  
  • Flying saucers prevent slipping because they have tiny grippers.
  • Flying saucers reduce the issues of bending backs.
  • The flying saucer wheel runs very quietly, and it provides hours of exercise and entertainment for hamsters.
  • Flying saucer wheels are perfect for dwarf hamsters.

Cons of flying saucer wheel for hamsters

  • Hamsters can be flung if they run too fast.
  • Flying saucer wheels have a slant that can be uncomfortable for hamsters. 
  • Flying saucer wheels take a lot of space in the smaller cages. 
  • The flying saucer wheel is too small for Syrian hamsters.

Flying saucer wheel size for Dwarf and Syrian hamsters

The proper size of the flying saucer wheel is very important. The size of the flying saucer wheel depends on the size of your hamsters. Hamsters run for miles every single night. Running on the Wrong size flying saucer wheel can cause different types of health issues in old age. Therefore, always make sure that the flying saucer wheel for hamsters should be large enough and comfortable for them to run easily. Here are the sizes of flying saucer wheels for Robo, dwarf, and Syrian hamsters:

Roborovski dwarf hamster
Roborovski dwarf hamster aka Desert hamster

For Robo, a 5-8 inches flying saucer is perfect. Robo hamsters grow to between 45-50 millimeters in body length. Therefore, they need a flying saucer wheel of a minimum size of 5 inches and a maximum of 8 inches in diameter. 

dwarf hamster
Dwarf hamster

For dwarf hamsters, a 6.5-8 inches flying saucer wheel is perfect. They grow to between 70-90 millimeters in body length. Therefore, they need a flying saucer wheel of a minimum size 6.5 and a maximum size 8 in diameter.

Syrian hamsters
Syrian hamsters

For Syrian hamsters, a 30cm flying saucer wheel is perfect. They grow to between 82-127 millimeters in body length. Therefore, they need a flying saucer of 12 inches.

What we learned from all this

This article discussed that flying saucer wheels are good for hamsters. We also covered the pros and cons of flying saucers for hamsters. Flying saucer wheels are good for hamsters only when they are of the proper size. The wrong size can cause serious health issues like back pain, arthritis, etc. always make sure to have a comfortable and safe wheel for your hamsters. You have to find out if flying saucer wheel is good or worth it for hamsters, your pet relies on you and trusts you that whatever you do will be good for them to stay fit and healthy. We hope this article answers all your queries about whether Saucer wheels are good for hamsters or not. 

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