Running wheel for gerbils: running with a straight back

Gerbils are fast, active animals that cover considerable distances in the wild. In an enclosure at home, there is less room for that. A good running wheel gives your gerbils the chance to really run. The most important thing is the size: a gerbil must be able to run in the wheel with a straight back. A wheel that is too small forces the back into a hollow curve, and you don't want that for an animal that can run in it for hours every day.

In this category you will find running wheels made of plastic and of bark wood in various diameters. A running wheel is one part of a richly furnished enclosure, alongside a thick digging layer, a sand bath and hideaways. For that digging layer and for hay as building material, we use Zooply, our own premium brand, for our own animals.

In short

• ✓ For gerbils, choose a running wheel with a diameter of at least about 20 cm, and preferably larger: the wheels of 28 to 33 cm are a better choice.
• ✓ A solid running surface without bars or holes prevents little feet or the tail from getting trapped.
• ✓ Place the wheel on a firm, level base, not loose in the bedding.
• ✓ Watch your gerbil: if you see its back arching while running, the wheel is too small.
• ✓ Regularly check the wheel for chewing damage, wobbling and noise.

What will you find in the Running wheels category for gerbils?

Plastic running wheels

Trixie makes plastic running wheels in three sizes. According to the product information, the ø 28 cm running wheel is made for Syrian hamsters, rats and gerbils. For most gerbils, that is a fine size. The ø 33 cm running wheel is offered for Syrian hamsters and rats, but is just as usable for gerbils: bigger is only better for the back, as long as your gerbil can turn the wheel properly. The ø 20 cm running wheel is intended for dwarf hamsters and mice. For an adult gerbil, that is the lower limit and often too small. Plastic is light and easy to wash. Gerbils do chew on it, though; so check the rim and the stand regularly.

Bark wood running wheels

The Giga Mouse ø 29 cm bark wood running wheel is made for Syrian hamsters, rats and gerbils. Wood gives a natural look and fits nicely into an enclosure furnished with cork and branches. The Trixie ø 23 cm bark wood running wheel is intended for dwarf hamsters and mice. So for gerbils, choose the larger size when it comes to wood. Wooden wheels may be gnawed on, but can wear down as a result. Wood absorbs moisture; don't put the wheel next to the regular wee spot.

Choosing the right size

For gerbils, a minimum diameter of about 20 cm applies, but that really is the lower limit. An adult gerbil often has a clearly straighter posture with a wheel of around 28 to 30 cm. The best test is to watch. Let your gerbil run for a few minutes and look from the side: the back should stay roughly straight, with the head in line with it. If you see the base of the tail bending upwards and the back making a hollow arch, the wheel is too small.

If you are in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger one. A wheel that is too big hardly exists for gerbils, as long as it turns easily enough. A young gerbil may find a large wheel a bit heavy at first, but usually gets used to it quickly.

Running surface and safety

A running wheel for gerbils needs a solid running surface. Wheels with bars or rungs are dangerous: little feet can get caught between them and a gerbil's long tail can get trapped. A gerbil's tail is vulnerable; the skin can come off or the tail can break off. So also look at the side where the wheel is attached to the stand. With a wheel with an open side, there must be no space between the turning wheel and the stand where a tail or foot could get caught.

A sturdy wheel that turns quietly is more pleasant for everyone. Gerbils are active in short periods both during the day and at night. A rattling wheel is not only annoying for you, but also a sign that something is loose.

Placing a running wheel in a gerbil enclosure

A gerbil enclosure ideally has a layer of bedding of at least about 20 cm. A running wheel that you place loose in it will sink at an angle or get undermined. That is why you place the wheel on a firm base: on the floor of the tank before you add the bedding, or on a platform or sturdy board. Make sure the wheel stands straight and can turn freely, even when your gerbils kick bedding against it.

Preferably place the wheel along an edge, out of the digging zone. That keeps the middle of the enclosure free for tunnels and chambers. Don't put it next to the water bottle or the sand bath, because wet or sandy feet make the running surface dirty and slippery.

Young and older gerbils

Young gerbils are often extra lively and discover a running wheel quickly. For a young gerbil, buy a wheel straight away that will also be big enough when it is an adult; then you won't have to swap later. Older gerbils sometimes become a bit calmer or less supple. A wheel that turns easily and stands low on a level base stays easily accessible for them. If you see an older gerbil suddenly becoming unsteady on its feet, losing weight or becoming less active, contact a vet with rodent expertise.

My gerbil doesn't use the running wheel

Not every gerbil is equally keen on running in a wheel. Some animals prefer to put their energy into digging, and that is just as much natural behaviour. Give a new wheel a few weeks. Putting a few seeds in the wheel helps them discover it. Also check that the wheel turns easily enough: a stiff wheel is more likely to be ignored. If your gerbil doesn't use the wheel at all, that is not a problem, as long as the enclosure offers enough other challenge.

Cleaning and checking

Gerbils wee very little, but bedding, sand and the occasional dropping do end up in the wheel. Wipe the running surface clean regularly. Rinse plastic wheels with warm water; brush wooden wheels out dry and let them dry thoroughly if they do get wet. When cleaning, check whether the wheel still turns straight, whether the axle isn't wearing and whether any sharp edges have appeared from gnawing. Replace a wheel that keeps wobbling or is damaged.

Useful combinations

• Cages: an enclosure with enough room for a large running wheel and a deep digging layer.
• Bedding: the digging layer around the wheel, with Zooply as our own brand.
• Tunnels: sheltered routes to the wheel.
• Sand & Sand baths: for coat care after a good run.
• Gerbil food: active animals need a good foundation.

Frequently asked questions about running wheels for gerbils

What size running wheel does a gerbil need?

A diameter of at least about 20 cm, but preferably larger. In this category, the ø 28 cm plastic running wheel, the ø 29 cm bark wood wheel and the ø 33 cm plastic wheel are the best choices for gerbils. Always check for yourself that your gerbil's back stays straight while running.

Why is a wheel with bars dangerous for a gerbil?

Little feet and nails can get caught between bars. With gerbils, there is also the tail: it is long and vulnerable. If the tail gets trapped in a turning wheel, the skin can come off or the tail can break. A solid running surface prevents this.

Can two gerbils use one running wheel at the same time?

It happens, but it doesn't always go well. If one gerbil brakes and the other keeps running, an animal can get flung around. In a large wheel the risk is smaller. If you have a small group, a second wheel or plenty of extra running space is no unnecessary luxury.

My running wheel makes noise. What can I do?

Check that the wheel is standing straight and firmly. A wheel standing at an angle on the bedding will start to rub and squeak. Clean the axle and the running surface, because sand and bedding often cause noise. If the wheel keeps squeaking or wobbling, replacing it is usually the best solution.

Is a wooden or a plastic running wheel better?

Both can work well. Plastic is light and easy to wash, but gets chewed. Wood looks natural and may be gnawed on, but absorbs moisture and wears down. More important than the material are the diameter, a solid running surface and a firm placement.

Can a gerbil run too much in the running wheel?

A healthy gerbil in a well-furnished enclosure divides its own time between digging, eating, resting and running. If a gerbil does practically nothing but run in the wheel, that may be a sign that there is little else to do. In that case, provide more digging depth, nesting material, cardboard and chewing material, and hide food so your gerbil has to search for it.

Running wheels for gerbils at Knaagplaza

At Knaagplaza, the webshop of 't Knaagplein, you can choose a running wheel that suits the size of your gerbils. Place it in a firm spot in an enclosure with a thick layer of Zooply bedding, our own premium brand that we use every day for our own animals, and your gerbils can both run and dig.