It is essential to raise hedgehogs in a loving environment with not only enough food and drinking water but good avenues for healthy exercise as well. Providing the right accessories for regular physical activity encourages hedgehogs to stay in shape not only physically but mentally as well.

This article answers the question “Do Hedgehogs Need Wheels?” by exploring the benefits hedgehogs gain from running. We also reveal the factors to consider when searching for the best running wheels for your hedgehogs as well as the right age to introduce them to one. Let’s dive straight in.

Do Hedgehogs Need Wheels?

Hedgehogs need exercise wheels because they love to run which keeps them in shape physically while reducing stress and improving their overall well-being. The right wheel allows hedgehogs to sprint as fast as 12MPH but avoid buying mesh and wire wheels to prevent back, feet, and leg injuries.

Exercise wheels are critical components of hedgehog cages so you cannot afford to get them wrong when shopping. Thankfully, there are unlimited options available for sale so finding the right one for your cute little hedgehog should not be a problem.

What Happens If a Hedgehog Does Not Have a Wheel?

The lack of a wheel in your hedgie’s cage can be bad in numerous ways and a few side effects are discussed below.

Obesity

Hedgehogs love to run especially during the night time when they’re typically bursting with energy after waking up from extended sleep. Wheels offer the right platform for them to sprint as fast as they can which burns the accumulated calories from their diets.

The result is proper weight management that enables hedgehogs to keep off unhealthy pounds and protects them from obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart problems. The absence of exercise wheels for hedgehogs may increase the risk of piling on unhealthy pounds that can put their lives at major risk.

Boredom

Hedgehogs may suffer boredom when they have no avenue for expending accumulated energies from their daily diet. Even though they can engage in other forms of physical activity like walking up and down their cages and moving through hideouts, the absence of wheels may expose them to boredom.

Bored hedgehogs often become susceptible to diseases and infections due to the negative effects on their immune systems. Boredom can also have a declining effect on their appetites and overall well-being resulting in a terrible state of health.

Stress

Stress is another common result when hedgehogs are denied access to exercise wheels. The lack of physical activity can trigger signs such as hiding in their cages and refusing to come out as usual. They may either engage in overgrooming or neglect their grooming needs completely.

Stressed hedgehogs could also show signs of oversleeping especially during the night when they’re supposed to be awake and literally tearing their cages apart. Twitching, hissing, or snorting are common side effects of stress in quill babies.

In severe cases, their spines may even begin falling out due to the psychological problems associated with stress. Stress can also lead to lower appetites and even declined interest in engaging in physical activity among hedgehogs. (Source)

What Kind of Wheels Do Hedgehogs Need?

Hedgehogs need wheels that are large in diameter to accommodate their body frames with little risk of slippage. In most cases, 12-inch exercise wheels are the best to target because they provide the right comforts for them.

Wheels that allow unhinged running with minimal risk of foot injuries are also solid choices for hedgehogs. Flying Saucer Wheels and Silent Runner Wheels are popular hedgehog owners desperate to give their little pets the best-running experience.

Always avoid running wheels made with wire and mesh material because they can expose your hedgehogs to injuries that may affect their quality of life significantly.

How Big Does A Hedgehog Wheel Need to Be?

A hedgehog wheel needs to be at least 12 inches in diameter to provide enough room for running without the need to bend their backs. Younger hedgehogs may be able to run on smaller wheels but do not hesitate to upgrade immediately after they outgrow them.

Allowing hedgehogs to run on smaller wheels can expose them to risks of back, leg, and foot injuries. It may also decrease how much time they spend on the wheels since their comfort levels are compromised.

How Do I Get My Hedgehog to Use His Wheel?

Putting your hedgehog on the wheel and using a large book to block the entrance is usually the best way to encourage its usage for the first time. Forcing them onto the wheel can open their eyes to how much fun it is to walk on it.

They may look for an exit in the beginning but once hedgehogs start enjoying walking on the wheel it is only a matter of time before they gradually discover that running can be even more fun. Hedgehogs love running during the middle of the night when everyone’s asleep because it is a private activity for them.

There’s a possibility that they’re already running on the wheels at night without your attention especially if you bought the silent type. Switching off the lights or creating some sort of darkness around the location of the hedgehog’s cage often increases how much running time they get on the wheels.

When Should I Introduce My Hedgehog’s Wheel?

Most hedgehog breeders recommend introducing wheels into their cages when they’re 6 weeks old. In other parts of the world including the UK, the recommendation ranges between 10 to 12 weeks. It is up to you to decide when is the best time for bringing wheels into the cage.

Wheels are the hedgehog’s most important toy because it enables them to enjoy the highest amount of physical activity. An early introduction keeps their health on track to prevent obesity and other psychological problems associated with a lack of exercise.

How Much Exercise Do Hedgehogs Need?

Hedgehogs need at least an hour of exercise per night for maximum health benefits. Exercise helps them keep off unhealthy pounds while enhancing their psychological health. It also eliminates the risk of obesity-related issues and minimizes boredom.

Hedgehogs that enjoy regular exercises are typically happier and more relaxed in their cages. Bonding becomes easier with minimal instances of aggressive behavior.

How to Make a Hedgehog Wheel Silent

Lubricating the parts with olive oil or other types of oil can make loud wheels silent. The noise is typically caused by friction of moving parts so oiling often gets the job done.

Should Pregnant Hedgehogs Use Wheels?

Pregnant hedgehogs may have no problems using wheels but heavy physical activity after the 20th day of the pregnancy may lead to complications. Experts recommend removing the wheel from the cage at that point to protect the pregnant hedgehog and unborn babies.

Also, clean your hedgehog wheels daily to minimize the risk of slippage accidents that may cause pregnancy complications.

Why Do Hedgehogs Poop On Their Wheels?

Motion causes hedgehogs to naturally expel waste from their bodies which explains why they poop on their wheels. These creatures are notorious for their indiscriminate pooping habits so no need to panic if you notice traces of fecal matter on their running wheels.

But, we recommend cleaning out the wheels thoroughly to their feet make physical contact with poop and urine which can increase the risk of diseases and infections.

Conclusion: Do Hedgehogs Need Wheels?

Hedgehogs need running wheels to stay physically active and enhance their overall health since it helps burn calories. The lack of wheels can expose them to boredom and stress leading to unwanted signs such as lethargy, aggression, and unhealthy weight gain.

Running wheels also make hedgehogs happier and improve their overall quality of life. It helps these cute buddies settle in quicker in new environments and speeds up the bonding process with their human parents.