What do you think hamsters think about while running on a wheel?

Question

I bought my hamster a new wheel today, as he had grown out of his new one, and he was just so happy to run and run. it got me thinking.. what do you think hamsters think about while running on the wheel?

Answer 1

Seriously, I think I know.  Quite often they think they are actually traveling somewhere.  Quite often my hamsters get off of the wheel and look around to see if anything is different.  It's as if they think they really are traveling somewhere different.  So, they are probably thinking "Why the heck does every place look just like my cage at home?"

Answer 2

"If I run really fast maybe I can get the heck out of here"

I wonder what they think when they get off and realize they're in the same spot after running for 20 min.

Answer 3

lol, I agree with Buddy Lee. Naturally, hamsters would run for a few good miles each day (or night rather). They just instinctivly wish to travel. The wheel not only exercises them, it also satisfies their need to run. So naturally, while they are running, and those instincts are kicking in, they are probably thinking about traveling.

And I've actually noticed them get off after a while, and go over everyhting in their cage, probably smelling to see if anything changed and if they actually reached a new location. Then after they realize that they are still in their own cage, they get back in and keep running. I've noticed that sometimes they will switch directions, which would be funny if they actually did this on purpose, after getting fed up that they can't go anywhere, so they try a "different route".

Answer 4

Great question! I'm sure they are thinking about running free! Hamsters and all rodents LOVE to rum like lightning! The wheel allows your hamster to get the feeling of running free! Sometimes he will even stop, poke his head out of the wheel and look down to the bottom of the cage to see if he got anywhere. Then he goes again. Hamsters can run up to 20 miles in a single night on that wheel!

Answer 5

maybe they think they r getting away

Answer 6

My hamster runs really really fast and then stopps and peers round the front, it looks like he is trying to see how far he has ran haha

Answer 7

"More speed...more speed...more speed...approaching time barrier..."

Answer 8

I have no idea. But I have SERIOUSLY thought about this many a night while watching Hammy (named after the squirrel in "Over the Hedge") run in his wheel for hours on end. I do know this... I feel sorry for him sometimes, as if he is thinking, "If I keep running, I can get the heck outta here!", so I distract him with a Cheeto!!! He seems happy, so I don't worry about it too much! LOL