Best Chinchilla Wheels

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Many people only associate hamsters with exercise wheels.

But did you know that chinchillas also need regular access to wheels?

In this post, we will look at the best chinchilla wheels on the market. By the end of this post, we hope you have a better understanding of why chinchillas need wheels and what to look for in a wheel.

Before we dive into the reviews, let’s start by looking at some FAQs related to chinchilla wheels.

FAQs

Question 1: Why do chinchillas need exercise wheels?

Just like other rodents, chinchillas use wheels to get exercise. Chinchillas are active creatures and they need plenty of time and space to run around. But, chinchillas often have to stay in their cage for most of the day, so they have trouble getting the right amount of exercise.

With a wheel, chinchillas can get plenty of exercise while they are still in their cage. Wheels also keep them entertained and keeps them healthy.

Question 2: How do you pick the best wheel for a chinchilla?

Chinchilla wheels should be large enough to accommodate their body size. Preferably, choose a wheel that is at least 14-16 inches in diameter. This will give them enough space to run without slipping or falling off the wheel.

You also want to make sure that the wheel is comfortable for your chinchilla. Make sure the surface is wide and comfortable on their feet. Avoid mesh wheels as your chin can easily catch and damage their foot in this material.

Also, look for a wheel that is long lasting and easy to clean. Your chinchilla will likely use their wheel everyday, so you need to make sure the wheel will last without breaking or cracking.

Question 3: What material should the wheel be?

When selecting a chinchilla wheel, it is most important to make sure the wheel is chew-proof.

Chinchillas have large teeth and they need to chew to grind these down. But, you don’t want your chinchilla to chew the wheel and consume a toxic substance or choke on a piece of plastic. Instead, make sure your chinchilla has access to an appropriate chew toy so they are not tempted to chew the wheel. Or, select a metal or wood wheel to avoid this problem altogether.

Also, make sure that the edges of the wheel are smooth to prevent any accidental injuries. You don’t want your chinchilla to scrape or cut themselves on a sharp edge.

Question 4: Can you make your own chinchilla wheel?

If you wanted, you could make your own chinchilla wheel out of wood. But, you need the proper tools to make a functioning wheel. Gather hardwood planks, plywood, saws, a drill, and screws. Also, make sure to sand down the wood to create a smooth surface.

If you have the right tools, you can follow these instructions to make your own wheel. But, if you don’t already own the right tools and materials, this can end up being an expensive project. It is more cost effective and time-saving to purchase a chinchilla wheel.

Question 5: Are hamster and chinchilla wheels the same?

While hamster and chinchilla wheels are similar, they are not exactly the same.

You will find a variety of rodent wheels on the market. And you might notice that these often come in a few different sizes. Chinchillas are relatively large rodents, so they typically need a larger wheel. Hamsters can often comfortably use a smaller wheel.

If a chinchilla uses a smaller wheel, they might injure themselves. Or, they will avoid using the wheel because it isn’t comfortable. So, make sure to select the right size wheel for a chinchilla. Most wheels specify if they are appropriate for chinchillas, but you should also look for a “large” or “giant” size when selecting a wheel.

Questions 6: How do you train a chinchilla to use a wheel?

Some chinchillas need help learning how to use their wheel. But once they are trained, they should be able to use this with no problem.

First, start by simply placing the wheel in their cage. Give them some time to get used to the wheel. They might try it out on their own.

But, after a few days, if they haven’t started using the wheel, you may need to give them some guidance. Place some dust or a treat on the wheel. Once they step on the wheel they will realize that it moves.

During the first few times, you should supervise your chinchilla. After about 15 minutes, if they are still running, you should try to guide them off the wheel. Allow them to rest and drink water. With time, they will learn how to limit their exercise time on their own.

Question 7: Does a wheel replace the need for out of cage time?

Even though you are going to provide your chinchilla with an exercise wheel, they still need to spend time out of their cage. Make sure that your chinchilla still has a few hours every day to run around outside of the cage. Otherwise, they can sometimes develop health and behavior issues.

When you let your chinchilla out of their cage, make sure you are in the same room. If you have other pets in the house, keep them in a separate space during this time. Dogs and cats can easily stress a chinchilla, leading to a fur slip. To avoid any unnecessary anxiety, give your chinchilla a safe, quiet space to run outside their cage.

Deciding on the Right Chinchilla Wheel

Before we dive into reviews, think about the following question:

Do you need a chinchilla wheel?

Do you own a chinchilla? Then you need a chinchilla wheel.

By reviewing the FAQ section above, you probably already realized that chinchilla wheels are an essential tool for all chinchillas.

To stay happy and healthy, chinchillas need plenty of exercise time. They should get 1-2 hours of out of cage playtime every day. But, chinchillas also need to exercise inside their cage. By providing a wheel, your chinchilla can run and exercise at any time. This is a perfect way to help your chinchilla stay active and healthy.

A metal or wood exercise wheel that mounts to the side of a wire cage is a great option for chinchillas. This will allow them to run freely without any risk of injury (from sharp edges, consuming plastic, or slipping on an unstable wheel).

Choosing the Best Chinchilla Wheel

Before buying a chinchilla wheel, you should do some research to determine the best option for your pet. In this post, we will look at some of the best chinchilla wheels on the market. Before making your decision, here are some factors you should consider:

Budget: There are chinchilla wheels that fit a variety of price points. So, you need to think about how much you are willing to spend on a chinchilla wheel. Consider how long you want the wheel to last and if you are willing to pay more up front for a high-quality and long-lasting wheel.

Size: Make sure you look for a wheel that fits your chinchilla. Most rodent wheels are made for smaller creatures, like hamsters. An effective chinchilla wheel should be at least 14-16 inches in diameter.

Material: Consider your chinchilla’s chewing habits before deciding on the wheel’s material. Some wheels are made out of plastic, which can be harmful if your chinchilla decides to chew and accidentally consume a piece of the wheel. If your chinchilla is an avid chewer, it may be best to avoid plastic wheels. Wood and metal are a safe option for more chinchilla wheels.

Effectiveness: Before buying a wheel, you want to make sure it will be effective for your chinchilla. Is it the right size? Can it mount to the side of the cage? Will your chinchilla be able to get on and off the wheel? Think about these factors before purchasing your wheel.

Maintenance: Most chinchilla wheels are low-maintenance. But, you will need to clean the wheel from time to time. Dust, fur, and waste products can build up in the wheel. You will need to take the wheel out of the cage to properly clean it. Consider how difficult or easy the wheel would be to take apart and deep clean if necessary.

Noise: As you might know, chinchillas are crepuscular animals. This means they are most active during dawn and dusk. So, your chinchilla will probably decide to use their exercise wheel during the night or in the early morning. If you keep their cage in or near your bedroom, you should consider how loud the wheel will be. You don’t want this to wake you up in the night. But, it is important to let your chinchilla follow their natural sleep cycle. You might be tempted to wake up your chinchilla to encourage them to take an afternoon run. But this will throw off their natural cycle and could lead to health problems. Instead, look for a silent wheel or consider moving their cage away from your bedroom.

Quick Reference

For a quick reference of our highest reviewed chinchilla wheels, please review the list below:

#1 Exotic Nutrition 15″ Chin-Sprint

#2 15″ Chin Spin – Chinchilla Wheel

#3 Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

Chinchilla Wheel Reviews

Now, let’s look at the best chinchilla wheels on the market so you can decide what is best for your pet.

#1 Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12″ Wide – Exercise Wheel

The Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner is a plastic exercise wheel. It comes with a cage attachment so it can be easily mounted to the side of your chin’s cage.

This wheel is smooth, so there is no risk of your chin injuring themselves on the edges or running surface. It doesn’t include a center axle, which means your chin won’t be at risk for a spine or tail injury.

Sandy Track and Auto Clean Track attachments are available for an additional fee. This wheel comes with a built-in whisper spin, so it doesn’t create a loud noise as it is used. This makes it an ideal wheel for chins who like to run at night.

PROS:

• Silent wheel
• Includes cage attachment
• Smooth so no risk of injury
• Doesn’t include a center axle

CONS:

• Plastic can be harmful to chins if they chew and consume it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hggHDcy6FXM

Check Reviews on Amazon Here

#2 Quality Cage Crafters 15″ Chin Spin – Chinchilla Wheel

The Quality Cage Crafter’s 15” Chin Spin is a combination metal and wood wheel. Since it isn’t made from plastic, there are no health risks if your chinchilla tries to chew the wheel. It is a sturdy wheel that is built to last a lifetime. It can easily mount to a wire, so you can attach this directly on the cage wall.

This is an open wheel that doesn’t include a center axel. This eliminates any risk of a tail or spine injury. As you can see in the video below, it is not a silent wheel. But when a chin runs on the wheel, it is smooth and only creates a minor noise.

This wheel has a wide running surface that is perfect for chinchillas. This wheel also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which is ideal since it is at a higher price point than many of the other wheels on the market.

PROS:

• Made from metal and wood instead of plastic
• Can easily attach to a wire cage
• Doesn’t include a center axle
• Includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee

CONS:

• High price point
• Not completely silent

Check Reviews on Amazon Here

#3 Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

The Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel is a plastic wheel that comes in a variety of sizes. Since chinchillas need a large exercise wheel, you should choose the Giant option.

This wheel doesn’t have a center axel, so you don’t need to worry about spine or tail injuries. It also includes a whisper ball, which helps make this a relatively silent wheel. The wheel can be attached to a cage, but also has a stand so it can be used on its own.

This is a long-lasting wheel that is easy to maintain and clean. It comes at a low price point compared to some of the other options on the market.

PROS:

• Relatively silent
• Large size available
• Doesn’t include a center axle
• Can be free standing

CONS:

• Plastic can be harmful to chinchillas if they chew and consume it

Check Reviews on Chewy Here

#4 Exotic Nutrition 15″ Chin-Sprint: All-Metal Exercise Wheel for Chinchillas

As you can see in the video below, The Exotic Nutrition 15” Chin-Sprint is an all-metal exercise wheel. It doesn’t contain any plastic, so you don’t need to worry about your chin chewing the wheel and consuming harmful material. It also doesn’t contain a center axle, so there is no chance that your chin will injure their spin or tail with this wheel.

This large wheel has a wide track, making it perfect for chinchillas. It can also easily attach to the side of a wire cage. It has double-ball bearings making is a smooth and relatively quiet wheel.

This wheel comes at a high price point, but it is made to last. Exotic Nutrition boasts that you will never need to buy another wheel again. Since it is completely metal, it won’t crack, splinter, or break if chewed.

PROS:

• All metal, so less likely to break
• Wide running track
• Relatively quiet
• Doesn’t contain a center axle

CONS:

• High price point

Check Reviews on Amazon Here

#5 Wodent Wheel 12 ” CHINCHILLA WIDE TRACK WHEEL

The 12” Wodent Wheel is a large plastic running wheel with multiple entry points. As you can see in the video below, your chinchilla can enter the wheel from one of the openings. Although the video features a hamster, this would be a similar process for chinchillas.

The wheel is wide enough for your chinchilla to comfortably run. It includes a stand, so it can be used without mounting to the side of a cage. Unfortunately, you can’t buy mounting material from Wodent Wheel, so the stand is the only option for this wheel.

This is a relatively quiet wheel. It is easy to clean and large enough for chinchillas. It comes at a reasonable price point. It is also a good option if you have multiple chinchillas or animals who would use the wheel.

PROS:

• Wide running track
• Multiple entry points
• Easy to clean

CONS:

• Doesn’t include cage mounting material

Check Reviews on Amazon Here

Bonus: Keersi Hamster Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel

If you want something different, consider the Keersi Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel. The video below doesn’t contain this exact product, but it gives a good picture of how a chinchilla would use a flying saucer wheel.

This is different than a traditional exercise wheel but still gives a chinchilla the chance to run. Since the running surface is very wide, this is perfect for chinchillas who need a lot of space, which many traditional wheels can’t offer.

This is a relatively quiet wheel that is easy to clean. It is plastic, which can cause issues if your chinchilla tries to chew and eat the material. Also, some users noticed that their pets were dizzy after using this wheel for a long time.

PROS:

• Unique alternative to traditional wheels
• Easy to clean
• Relatively quiet
• Wide running space

CONS:

• Plastic can be harmful to chinchillas if they chew and consume it
• May cause dizziness in some chinchillas

Check Reviews on Amazon Here

Chinchilla Wheels Round-Up

That is a lot of information to review. If you need a quick reference, look at the following overview before you decide which chinchilla wheel is right for you:

Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12″ Wide

• Plastic
• Includes a cage attachment
• Very quiet
• $$

Quality Cage Crafters 15″ Chin Spin

• Metal and wood
• Easy to attach to a cage
• Wide running track
• $$$

Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

• Plastic
• Free-standing or can attach to the cage
• Very quiet
• $

Exotic Nutrition 15″ Chin-Sprint

• Metal
• Wide running track
• Relatively quiet
• $$$

Wodent Wheel 12 ” Chinchilla, Wide Track Wheel

• Plastic
• Free-standing only
• Multiple entry points
• $

Keersi Hamster Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel

• Unique
• Wide running track
• Pretty quiet
• $

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, you need to decide which exercise wheel is best for your chinchilla. Consider your chinchilla’s personality and size. Are they likely to chew the wheel? Do they need a larger size for a smoother running experience?

It is important to remember that chinchillas need exercise to stay healthy. Although most people only associate rodent wheels with hamsters, these are a great tool for chinchillas. Wheels allow chinchillas to exercise inside their cage, which is important since this is where they spend most of their day.

Each of these wheels is a great option, but you need to pick the best one for you. I personally like the Quality Cage Crafters 15″ Chin Spin. Although this is a more expensive option, it will last for years. It is a high-quality wood and metal wheel, so you don’t have to worry about your chinchilla chewing it and consuming plastic. Also, it has a quiet and wide running track, which is essential for a chinchilla wheel.

As you make your decision, think about your budget, if you want to mount it to the cage, and what material you are looking for. These factors can all influence which wheel you decide to purchase.

We hope this guide helps as you pick the best chinchilla wheel for your home. We would love to hear what type of wheel you choose. Please share your pick in the comments below!