How to Choose an excersize wheel

by Danielle Branch

Round and Round She Goes!

Selecting a hamster wheel can be an interesting task. Many owners stand in the isle staring blankly at the selection because they do not know which type to buy. There will be a few types to select from, each with its unique challenges. Once you know the pros and cons of each you will be able to select the perfect one.

The first type of hamster wheel is the mesh wheel. This is typically a free standing unit that is made of wire and the wheel made of mesh. Some of the great things about this type of wheel are that it comes in any color you would like so that it makes the feng shui of your hamster cage much easier to do. The wheel for the most part is easy to clean when it comes time, just run it under water and wipe it down. There is one thing not working in its favor though, it squeaks no matter how much WD40 you put on it. So, if you can handle the noise, perhaps this type of hamster wheel may suit you.

The next type of wheel is a snap in plastic wheel. This particular type of wheel attaches to the end of a tunnel system, which can either be a plus or a minus for you. If you do not have a tunnel system, then this wheel seems a bit silly for you to buy. There is a piece of tunnel hooked onto the end. This has also proven to be an obstacle while cleaning as well because the wheel does not come apart. If your fur ball has the call of nature in this wheel, then you could run into problems when it is time to clean the cage. If a perfect ending to your tunnel maze is something that interests you, then perhaps a snap in plastic wheel would be your best option.

The third type of wheel actually blends both wheels into one. This is a special plastic wheel that has a trap for droppings and dirt to make it easier for you to clean. The downside is that it also attaches to a tunnel system; however this model in particular can also be stand alone. The wheel does slightly squeak, however a bit of Vaseline takes care of that. So, this has potential to really be a great wheel for you and your fur ball. The only bad thing about this wheel is that as it is used and gets older, it tends to get weaker. That can be said of just about everything.

So here we have 3 different types of wheels with unique qualities about them all. With so many styles and colors to choose from, it really makes the decision endless. However, now equipped with some knowledge about the 3 main types, this should make that decision a bit easier to handle.

Learn more about this author, Danielle Branch.