My hamster won't stop running on her wheel...?

Question

I just bought a hamster and she is just adorable!! Everyone warned me about their viciousness but she's actually a sweetheart!!

We bought her a wheel but she won't stop running in it!! She'll stop once every few minutes to check her surroundings and occasionally get a drink/food but then she jumps right back in and keeps running.

We bought her at PetSmart and she was running on the wheel then too but I'm worried she's going to stress herself out... is this possible? Is it normal for them to run this much?

-Toddy's Worried Mom :o(

Answer 1

In the wild they would run 5+ miles a night.  Since they can't do that in their cage they do it on the wheel instead.

Answer 2

Hamsters run on the wheel A LOT.  There is nothing to worry about here.  She will stop and go to sleep when she becomes tired.  This is totally normal.  I have owned many hamsters and gerbils over my lifetime and they love their wheels!

Answer 3

That's what hamsters do! I don't think she will get too stressed running. this is normal, my hammy does it all the time. If you are worried about stress you should get a bottle of Wet-Tail Drops if she does get stressed out she wont get wet tail (which is the result of stress) which is deadly.

Answer 4

lol put your finger on top of the wheel for an abrupt stop. watch her complete a 360, then stop and look around quizically.

Answer 5

dang you got a hyper hamster there lol dont worry they like those wheels and they just do it for fun

no stress at all

Answer 6

yes, this is completely normal!!

hamsters lovet to run!

there's not much for them to do in their cages besides  run!

so you got nothin to worry bout.

i used to have a hamster too & it would run & run forever!

Answer 7

not sure. if it bugs you so much take the wheel out for a bit

Answer 8

Thats completely normal... my two hamsters run in their wheels ALOT.

Don't worry and have fun with your hamster!

Don't spin her around in the wheel! This will cause her stomach to flop and get her dizzy. Don't take the wheel out either... or she will try to escape to burn off energy and to run.

Answer 9

This is totally normal. I also got a hamster from Petsmart and along with my pet, they gave me written facts and instructions on hamsters. Apparently if the hamster was to be in the wild they can run up to 5 miles a day! It is very healthy for them to run ALOT on the wheel, they need that because it is in their nature. Sounds to me that you have a very healthy and active hamster. No need to worry :)

Answer 10

Don't worry, hamster love to run, and your hamster is sure is an active and energetic hamster.

They love to run a lot, so the wheel is a good source for that since they can't run in the cage, which also helps them to stay healthy.

Hamsters are not always vicious...even they have different personalities. Some are really sweet and some are like lions!

Don't worry, your hamster is eating and drinking well, so it should be fine...if he/she stops eating or drinking, then remove the wheel for a while...or else, let him/her have fun, after all, they do get bored in the cage.

I also advice you to let your hamster out of the cage and run around in your room (doors shut) because I let my hamsters do that, and they love it!

Just put them back in after half an hour.

Your hamster is very normal and very healthy.

Good luck.

<:^_^:>

Have a Good Day!

Regards,

¸.•*´`*♥Shining Star♥*´`*•.