Therefore flying saucers can often be a better choice for smaller hamsters, but it really is up to you. This unique and innovative design is healthier on hamster’s spines as it creates a more natural running motion rather than sprinting upwards in a normal wheel.

A hamster would use this wheel for an average 8km a night and in the wild their back would remain straight, sadly for a hamster who uses this wheel it has to experience running with a curved back. I have this one which is 26cm/10in and fine for a smaller Syrian but most open ones are wooden ones which can be plastikoted of course. We specialise in pet supplies for all pets including dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles. So naturally, if you own one, you’re going to have to make sure you purchase a hamster wheel that can support your chunky pal! Hamsters are protected by The Animal Welfare Act, it makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.Our large hamster wheels feature a spacious running surface, giving your pet plenty of room to run and play. This would not be comfortable for larger breeds such as Syrians though, and if your hamster is a portly species you’re best off purchasing a wheel of 20 cm or more. Wheels which are smaller than 28cm (11″) should not be advertised as being suitable for a Syrian Hamster.

It has a cork running surface which is safe for gerbils' feet, but some gerbils might chew the cork. You are currently viewing our community as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access some of the features of our community. A part is missing – If you receive your item and a part is missing please report it to us within 30 days of the item being dispatched and we will send you a replacement part. They also make 12 inch metal wheels in various colors, and I wouldn't go smaller than that with Syrians just to be completely safe - something bucket wheels are severely lacking in terms of wheels like the Carolina ones which are somewhere around 10 inches or just over in diameter which isn't going to work for many Syrians as it would be too small for them to properly run with a flat back. These include problems such as bone and muscle degeneration, which can in severe cases lead to paralysis!

The new 28cm wheel could be the start of phasing out this unsuitable mis-labeled wheel that is still for sale. Hammy originally had the open front smaller Savic from a baby til I swapped it for the Trixie so think he just got used to an open wheel where he can jump in and out. A small wheel can cause permanent injury to your hamsters back, leaving your hamster in unnecessary pain and discomfort. A 28cm minimum wheel size for Syrian hamsters is a well known requirement, but for quite some time it has seemed that Pets at Home have ignored the welfare advice, hidden the truth from the public and only sold unsuitable wheels.