Running wheel for rats: only if it is big enough

Rats are active animals, but they move differently from a hamster. A hamster runs kilometres in its wheel at night; a rat would rather climb, jump, explore and play together with its group. That is why a running wheel is not a basic product for rats, but an extra. Some rats, often young and energetic females, love running in one. Other rats never give it a second glance.

If you do choose a running wheel, one thing counts above all: the size. Rats are a good deal bigger and longer than hamsters and gerbils. In a wheel that is too small, a rat has to arch its back, and that is exactly what you want to avoid. In this category you will find running wheels from ø 28 cm from Trixie and Giga Mouse. See the wheel as one part of a cage full of climbing routes, hammocks and enrichment, and complete it with Zooply bedding and Zooply Rat Food for a complete basis.

In short

• ✓ For rats, a running wheel is an extra; climbing, playing and daily time out of the cage remain the basis.
• ✓ Your rat's back must stay straight in the wheel; if it arches, the wheel is too small.
• ✓ Choose a solid running surface, without bars or holes where feet or the tail can get caught.
• ✓ Secure the wheel firmly, so it does not wobble or fall over when a rat jumps into it.
• ✓ A wheel with spokes on the side can trap tails and feet; check this before use.

What will you find in the Running wheels category?

Plastic running wheels from Trixie

The plastic running wheels from Trixie come in various sizes. According to the product information, the ø 33 cm running wheel is intended for Syrian hamsters and rats and is the roomiest choice in this category. The ø 28 cm wheel is made for Syrian hamsters, rats and gerbils. According to the product information both run quietly. Plastic is light, does not absorb urine and is easy to wash. The wheels are supplied in assorted colours.

There is also a ø 20 cm plastic running wheel in this category. According to its title and description that wheel is intended for dwarf hamsters and mice and is too small for rats.

Bark wood running wheel

The bark wood running wheel from Giga Mouse has a diameter of ø 29 cm and is intended for Syrian hamsters, rats and gerbils. Wood has a natural look and fits well in a cage with cork, branches and other natural materials. Do bear in mind that wood absorbs moisture and smells if rats wee in it. So clean a wooden wheel regularly with a dry cloth and do not put it in the regular wee spot.

What size running wheel does a rat need?

A rat must be able to run in the wheel with a straight, relaxed back. Watch your rat while it runs in the wheel: if you see a clearly arched back or a head bent upwards, the wheel is too small. That applies to every brand and every size.

Rats vary considerably in size. A young female is small and light; an adult buck can be much longer and heavier. A wheel that is fine for one animal can already be too cramped for another. For large bucks, a wheel of these sizes is often not suitable. In that case, better leave the wheel out and provide more climbing routes and time out of the cage. In any case never choose smaller than ø 28 cm for rats, and if in doubt, the largest size.

What should you look for in a running wheel for rats?

Solid running surface. The running surface must be solid, without bars, rungs or holes. Rats have long toes and a long tail. In a wheel with open rungs, a foot or the tail can get trapped while the wheel keeps turning.

Sturdy and stable. Rats jump in and out at speed. A wheel that wobbles or slides makes noise and puts rats off. Put the wheel on a level, firm surface or attach it to the bars, and check regularly that the fixing is still secure.

Quiet running. Rats are mainly active at dusk and at night. A squeaking or rattling wheel is then not only annoying for you; rats hear much higher tones than we do and can become restless because of it.

Safe construction. Check where the axle and the support are. An open space between the turning wheel and the stand can create a scissor effect. Keep an eye on your rat at first when it uses the wheel.

Where do you put the running wheel in the rat cage?

Put the wheel in a stable spot, preferably on the floor of the cage or on a fixed platform. A wheel on a wobbly platform or high up in the cage is unsafe: if a rat jumps out at speed, you do not want it to fall from a great height.

Keep the wheel out of the walking routes. Rats have fixed routes along the edges of the cage and between hammocks and platforms. A wheel that is in the way causes collisions. Also leave enough space around the wheel to step in and out calmly.

Do not place the wheel directly next to the litter tray or under the water bottle. That way the running surface stays drier and cleaner.

Exercise for rats: more than a wheel

Rats get most of their exercise from climbing, playing with each other and daily time out of the cage, in a safe room. A tall cage with several levels, ropes, hanging bridges and tunnels gives much more variety than a wheel alone. Searching for food is also exercise: scatter part of the rat food through the bedding or hide it in a tunnel, and your rats will be busy for a while.

Rats quickly become overweight, especially if they get lots of treats and have little space. A running wheel does not solve that. Pay particular attention to the menu: Zooply Rat Food as the basis, a small amount of vegetables and a protein treat now and then, and not too much fat or sugar.

Cleaning

Rats sometimes wee in the wheel or take food into it. Remove dirt and wet patches during your daily check. Wash a plastic wheel weekly with warm water and rinse it thoroughly. Clean a wooden wheel with a dry or slightly damp cloth and let it dry thoroughly. Do not use strongly scented cleaning products, because rats have sensitive airways.

Replace a wheel if it develops sharp edges, keeps wobbling or no longer turns smoothly. With a wooden wheel, also look out for splinters and gnaw damage to the running surface.

Useful combinations

A running wheel is one part of an active rat cage. These categories complement it:

• Hammocks & Hanging bridges: climbing routes and sleeping spots up high, the most important exercise in the cage for rats.
• Toys: foraging and treat toys to keep rats mentally busy too.
• Cages: a roomy cage with enough floor space for a wheel and open space.
• Food for rats: Zooply Rat Food as the daily basis for active rats.
• Bedding: low-dust Zooply bedding under and around the wheel.

Frequently asked questions about running wheels for rats

Does a rat need a running wheel?

No, not necessarily. Rats mainly get their exercise from climbing, playing with the group and daily time out of the cage. A running wheel can be a fun extra for rats that like to run, provided it is big enough. If you have little space in the cage, it is better to choose extra climbing routes and hammocks than a wheel.

How do I know if the running wheel is big enough?

Look at your rat's back while it runs. If the back stays straight and relaxed, the wheel fits. If the back arches or the head bends upwards, the wheel is too small and you had better remove it. In a group with rats of different sizes, look at the largest rat that uses the wheel.

My rat does not use the running wheel. What now?

That is completely normal. Many rats have little interest in a wheel. Check that the wheel is stable and runs quietly, because a wobbly or noisy wheel puts them off. You can put a few pellets in the wheel to arouse curiosity. If your rat still does not use it after that, it does not need it. Then better use the space for something else.

Is a running wheel suitable for a buck?

That depends on the size of your buck. Many adult bucks are too big for a wheel of around 30 cm and run in it with an arched back. Bucks are also often calmer and less inclined to run. For a large buck a wheel is usually not the best choice; more time out of the cage and climbing opportunities are a better fit.

Can two rats use a wheel at the same time?

It happens, but it is not without risk. If one rat runs while the other stands still, that second rat can be knocked over or get a foot trapped. In a group it is wise to keep an eye on the wheel and remove it if pushing or accidents occur.

Why does my rat wee in the running wheel?

Rats sometimes mark places they use often. A wheel on or next to the regular wee spot also gets dirty more quickly. Move the wheel to a different spot, put a litter tray with litter pellets on the wee spot and clean the wheel thoroughly so the smell disappears.

Buying running wheels for rats at Knaagplaza

At Knaagplaza, the webshop of 't Knaagplein, you will find running wheels from ø 28 cm for rats that like to run. Combine the wheel with a roomy cage full of climbing routes and with Zooply, our own premium brand: low-dust bedding and rat food that we use every day for our own animals. That way your rats stay active, fit and curious.