by Carol H. Morgan

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2008

For hamsters, work and play are one and the same. When they are busy exploring their environment and interacting with cage mates they are governed by the instincts that still strongly control their behavior, and all these activities are work that is essential to their survival. Small rodents still feel the need to chew, hoard, explore, run, hide and fight. The degree to which their toys and accessories in their cage help them accomplish these things will determine how healthy and happy they are in their home. Each item should be chosen with an eye to how it meets their needs, and also most importantly to safety.

EXERCISE WHEEL

The most important component of a successful hamster habitat is the exercise wheel. It will be the best and most frequently used item in your hamster's cage. Whether hamsters just enjoy running or they feel the irresistible need to do it doesn't make that much difference to the hamster, or the owner - clearly any hamster with an appropriate wheel will make good use of it. Things to consider in this purchase are:

1. Safety. Open bars or wheels with holes that provide chances for your hamster to damage its feet aren't ideal. It is best to choose a solid construction without any kinds of openings. It is also best to have wheels attached to the side of the cage so that they don't fall over while the hamster is running.

2. Size. There are different sizes of exercise wheels made for different kinds of rodents. Obviously the bigger ones are for rabbits and Guinea pigs, and the smaller ones are for dwarf hamsters and mice. One that is too small will be awkward for your hamster and ones that are too big will be to difficult to move. So it is important fo the wheel to be properly sized for your breed of hamster.

3. Accessibility. The hamster should have easy access to the wheel because it is one of the toys they will use most. It shouldn't be high up in a cage where the hamster has to climb to get to it, since they will use it less and they often fall out while running. Also, if it is high up on a second 'story' of a hamster cage, if they fly out of it (which happens every once in a while) it could hurt the hamster and discourage it from using it, ultimately affecting its health and happiness.

4. Keeping clean. Hamsters often use their wheels to go to the bathroom, so whether you want to take the wheel out to clean it frequently (which can be a good way to keep beddig fresh) or you would rather things get through slats to the bedding below is your personal

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