There’s a lot of debate surrounding rat wheels. Yes, a wheel that’s too small can cause serious spine issues due to unnatural back positioning. However, as a registered AFRMA breeder in the U.S., the AFRMA recommend females always have access to oversized wheels. I personally see benefits to both genders even though males are less likely to use them. Ultimately, it’s up to you to do your own research and decide what’s best for your rats.
Why Rats Need Exercise
In the wild, rats are constantly active— running, foraging, avoiding predators, and exploring. Most pet owners can’t replicate this level of activity in a home environment. While free-ranging your rats for several hours a day is ideal, most people can only provide about an hour of free roam daily. This often isn’t enough for all rats, especially those prone to obesity. Lack of exercise can lead to health issues like:
• Obesity
• Hind leg degeneration
• Arthritis
• Respiratory problems
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
Exercise wheels offer a solution. Wheels also provide enrichment, helping to prevent stress-related behaviors like cage chewing, pacing, and aggression. Plus, they improve your rats’ respiratory health, cardiovascular conditioning, and disease resistance.
Choosing the Right Wheel
When selecting a wheel, size matters. Do NOT use a saucer, as the angle can harm your rat’s body. If you’re just starting out, I recommend the Silent Spinner for baby rats, dwarves, or young females. It’s affordable (around $30) and a good way to test if your rats are even interested in wheels. However, larger rats will need a bigger wheel—ideally 14 to 16 inches for full-grown rats.
Check out sites like Facebook Marketplace or Etsy for used or handmade wheels. I have a 15-inch chinchilla wheel from exoticnutrition. com for my males and I use 12-14 inches for females. Opt for metal wheels, as plastic and wood are more prone to chewing. If you do choose wood, remember that it’s harder to clean than plastic or metal.
Wheel Training and Usage
It’s easier to introduce a wheel to younger rats, as they’re more likely to develop a lifelong interest. Older rats might not understand the concept, so be cautious before investing in a $100+ wheel.
There are even DIY tutorials for creating larger wheels (up to 17 inches), which you can find on YouTube by searching “DIY bucket wheel rats.” Some commercial wheels also come with sandpaper attachments which file down your rats’ nails.
Potential Risks: “Wheel Tail”
“Wheel tail” is a condition where a rat’s tail becomes curled from running on a wheel. While some tail curling is genetic, wheel tail happens because a rat’s muscles get used to holding their tail out of the way. If you notice a curl but your rat can still straighten their tail, it’s not harmful. However, if the tail can’t straighten, it may become a problem. Remove the wheel to see if the curl resolves and check with your vet if needed. Always ensure the wheel is appropriately sized to minimize the risk of this happening.
Balancing Enrichment
While wheels are great for exercise, your rats shouldn’t rely on them entirely. Some rats can become “addicted” to their wheel, so it’s essential to provide multiple types of enrichment and at least an hour of free roam time each day.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, wheels can provide great benefits, but as with any pet care decision, it’s important to do your own research. If you’re interested in learning more, check out studies like “What Goes Around Can Come Around: An Unexpected Deleterious Effect of Using Mouse Running Wheels for Environmental Enrichment” by Renee Y. M. Leduc, which discusses both the pros and cons of wheels.
Pros: "Providing environmental enrichment items, such as running wheels, has become common as an effort to improve laboratory animal wellbeing.
Numerous species of wild, domestic, and laboratory animals demonstrate voluntary wheel running. Wheel running is beneficial to many physiologic systems, including but not limited to the brain, heart, and digestive system and has an advantageous effect on metabolism and aging" (Leduc
194).
Cons: "Nevertheless, under some circumstances, wheel running in rodents can lead to body changes (tail hyperflexion and arching of the back), increased aggression, and possible addiction-like behavior" (Leduc 194).
Leduc, Renee Y M et al. “What Goes Around Can Come Around: An Unexpected Deleterious Effect of Using Mouse Running Wheels for Environmental Enrichment.” Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS vol. 56,2 (2017): 194-201.
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