Do mice need wheels?

[Millimi]

I remember my mouse had a wheel in her cage, but do they really need them? Couldn't you keep them occupied with other toys?

[Sasami]

It isn't nessasary but it's recommended. If you have plenty of other toys they should be fine. Why do you ask, Natalie?

[Millimi]

I want a mouse, gerbil, or hamster. Just exploring my options.

[TareG]

Mice do fair much better with wheels. They really love being on them! I am sure that they would be fine without one, especially if they have never been on one before, and I do know some mice who rarely, if ever, use the wheels they have. If it's noise you are worried about, then keep in mind there are many plastic wheels that don't make much noise, are easily attachable to cages, and are fairly easy to clean. There are also very small wheels made especially for mice.

And if you do get a wheel, I recommend plastic, as wire wheels have a reputation of being bad for mice due to the possibility of their getting limbs stuck in the slits and hurting themselves.

Good luck researching!

[horse_chic89]

i think that it is better to have one. it keeps them occupied and exercised

[reeB_relliM]

Yes, wheels are recommended to help them spend their energy, exercise, cardio-vascular, etc.

A friend of mine had problems with the noise, from constant use of the wheel it eventially started squeaking, ...so as a solution to the problem, he'd built a custom running wheel, it was really neat. He used some of the original wire wheel parts, then customized it. So now, the wheel utilizes ball bearings instead of the static method. and instead of using regular grease, he uses Crisco cooking lard. Works like a charm!! He's one of those self sufficient kind of people, ...how does he come up with ideas for the things that he builds? I'll never know. (lol!)

Just thought I'd share that, figured maybe it will help you out somehow.

Regards,
reeB

[Padfoot]

Yup, mice love wheels! If you have a wheel, you'll have at least 1 mouse using it (watch my video of mimce running on wheel here http://padfoot.150m.com/Mice%20Running%20On%20Wheel.wmv (right click and save target as)). I do say, buy a normal sized wheel (like for hamsters/gerbils size) cause the small "mice wheel" tends to make the tail of the mouse curl upward. Happened to my Cheddar, I assumed that wheel was ok, and then she had her tail curled up. Doesn't hurts them, but they look weird. The small "mice wheels" are ok for dwarf hamsters only. 8)

[veggiegirl]

They are so high energy, I think they really should have a wheel. Rats don't need them but the smaller animals like hammies and mice really love them, and it gives them an outlet for all that energy. I think my hamster would just run around the cage in circles at night if she didn't have a wheel!

[jules_77]

my mice love their wheels they run all the time, sometime all 4 try to get on at once, my wheels squeak a little bit but i grease them with butter!~

[Millimi]

Thanks for all the info, but my parents are saying no to any animals. Sometimes I just want to kick them for always saying no!

[AussieRene]

I'm sorry they said no about animals. maybe they will change their minds - hope so! my kids love having animals around

[Millimi]

I don't think they will. My parents don't like pets much...