Are you typing in “Why is hamster not running on wheel?” and trying to figure out what’s going on?
It’s a tough spot to be in as a hamster owner.
You won’t know how to fix the problem and it may lead to the hamster getting frustrated inside its cage. Remember, hamsters love moving around throughout the day and not using the hamster wheel is rare.
This is why it’s important to take action and pinpoint what the root cause is to this problem. If you don’t do this, your hamster’s healthy may start to deteriorate over time.
This detailed guide is going to help answer the question, “Why is hamster not running on wheel?” and help showcase what you can do to fix the problem.
Table of Contents
Best Hamster Ball for Training Hamsters (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Encourage healthy exercise in a secure and safe way
- Makes a great temporary holding area to keep your furry friend while you clean their home
- 13-Inch diameter
Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kaytee Hamster Ball is a tremendous accessory to have as a hamster owner. It’s durable, versatile, and is going to provide a comfortable fit for any type of hamster. They are going to enjoy spending time outside the hamster cage while moving around inside the hamster ball. It’s a great option for hamsters that don’t like using their hamster wheel.
This product is measured at a diameter of 13 inches and is a safe option for any hamster.
Simply place your hamster inside the ball and watch as they zoom around from one end to the other exploring their surroundings.
Tips To Help Hamster Not Running On Wheel
Use a Hamster Ball
This is a great investment that is going to improve your hamster’s quality of life.
Even when your hamster starts using the wheel, it’s never a bad idea to have this lying around to change things up a bit.
Just like in humans, there are times when you don’t want to run on a treadmill and it’s better to go outside and explore your surroundings. With a hamster, they are going to enjoy being able to run around with the help of a hamster ball and see everything around them.
Why not give them a good opportunity to do this by investing in a new hamster ball for home? It will deliver incredible results and your hamster will start to fall in love with it too.
How is this going to help your hamster start using the wheel?
In general, you want the hamster to get used to the idea of running around during the day. This is going to ensure they enjoy the act and will be more than happy to hop onto the hamster wheel in short bursts.
Even if they don’t, you are still going to find a way to exercise them by using a hamster ball.
Reposition the Hamster Wheel
Where is the hamster wheel positioned right now?
A major issue that some hamsters have to face involves where the wheel is set up inside the cage. Yes, the wrong position can haev a serious impact on whether or not they use the hamster wheel during the day.
Why is this the case?
It has to do with something that is happening inside the case (i.e. too hot in that corner, too cold near the wheel) and it may be bothering the hamster. Sometimes it has to do with the wheel itself, which means you are going to have to change it up right away.
There are several issues that pop up but an easy fix is to reposition the hamster wheel and see how things transpire from there.
If the hamster still doesn’t want to go near the hamster wheel then it might be the accessory itself.
There are times when the hamster may not like how it smells or how the surface feels. If that is the case, they are not going to go near the hamster wheel at all.
This is natural and there is nothing wrong with changing things up whether this involves buying a new hamster wheel or going with a quality hamster ball.
Change Their Diet
To the surprise of many hamster owners, you may have to change their diet.
If your hamster isn’t getting enough nutrients or isn’t eating right, they won’t want to run. This is a simple reaction to what is going into their digestive system and how they are responding to it.
If you feel this is an issue, it’s recommended to invest in the right type of hamster food as soon as you get the opportunity to do so.
By looking towards organic options, you may freshen your hamster’s energy levels and get them back onto the hamster wheel in no time.
In general, you want to stay as patient as possible during this step.
There is no reason to rush when it is time to make a dietary change and it’s also smart to pay attention to how your hamster responds. If they start eating more then you are on the right track and it might have had to do with the food.
However, you are still recommended to visit a vet and see what they have to say about this situation before making a dietary change. It will shed light on what needs to be done and what might be going wrong in your hamster’s situation.
Place Them Inside the Hamster Wheel
If your hamster hasn’t used the wheel in a long time, sometimes it’s all about giving them a bit of a push in the right direction.
Now, this shouldn’t be done for too long as you don’t want to stress out the hamster!
Try this a couple of times to see how your hamster responds. If they start running inside the hamster wheel then this is a good starting point and will let you work on them slowly.
One of the issues that can happen with a hamster is, they start avoiding that side of the cage. There are several reasons for why this happens and sometimes it has to do with not being sure of their surroundings.
This is why you can help them out by placing them inside the wheel.
Over time, you are going t ostart to notice a change in how they act when it comes eto the hamster wheel.
You will find them hopping inside on their own and going for a run.
If not, you have to start thinking about incorporating other ways to get them to become active. Otherwise, they will struggle and it is going to have a negative impact on their health.
Comfort Your Hamster Regualrly
This is a simple change that’s going to be relatively successful when it comes to caring for your hamster.
They enjoy being cuddled, so you are going to have a great opportunity to soothe them by regularly staying near them. The goal has to be to pet them and let your hamster know that it’s safe to stay inside the cage or in your presence.
A lot of hamsters stop using their accessories because they feel uneasy or unsafe.
This is why you have to focus on not only making physical changes but also thinking about the psychological aspect of what’s going on.
By taking the time to bond with your hamster daily, you will start to notice a change in their behavior and that’s when things turn for the better.
How long should you be spending with them?
It’s recommended to at least put in 30-60 minutes with your hamster while petting them. This is a great way to see how they are responding because in some cases, this is the only issue that is bothering them.
Final Thoughts
This is the answer to your question, “Why is hamster not running on wheel?” and how to fix it.
If you are a hamster owner that pays attention to their pet then you are already on the right path. It’s important to stay patient and make sure you are following the tips mentioned here.
The best starting point is to simply invest in a good hamster ball for your hamster. They are going to respond well to this type of addition and will immediately increase their physical activity.
Of course, if you feel there is an underlying health issue involved, please do visit a vet to see what’s going on. However, there are times when your hamster will simply not like the hamster wheel based on where it’s positioned or how it’s designed.
Get started with these tips and watch how things change for the better!
To learn more about how to take care of your hamster, feel free to go through the following guides – how to get a hamster to cuddle, how to keep a hamster warm, best gloves for holding a hamster, and the safest hamster wheel for home.