Wire Mesh Wheel Hack by Hammy Time

This is my wire mesh wheel hack. I don’t recommend using wire mesh or barred hamster wheels but if it’s the only wheel you can get then this hack is a good option until you can get a better wheel. Sisal twine is safe for hamsters to chew on and it’s very cheap. I got my sisal from a hardware store for approximately $2. I use this wheel in playpens while I’m cleaning out cages so I don’t have to clean it often but to clean it I put it in the sink and soak it in soapy water and then rinse it.
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[@ToriLynnPPH]

This is a great idea for people with limited access to wheels! I run a pet group on Facebook and find that some countries have a very limited selection of pet care wheels and so many of them end up with having to duct tape wire wheels and things like that. This would likely require a bit of extra maintenance because of chewing and for hamsters that go potty while they run, but I think it's a definitely more appealing modification for a hamster wheel!

[@HammyTime]

Even here in the US there are stores that only sell wire wheels. The maintenance is an issue so I only use it in playpens :)

[@RainbowKittensCozyCorner]

@@HammyTime what about cooking twine or yarn or felt yarn?

[@HammyTime]

Sisal and sea grass are the only twine or rope that I know of that is safe for hamsters. Sisal and sea grass break down and can be digested if a hamster eats any of of it.

[@gopetpals]

You must've taken sooo long to do that! XD That's such a good use though, perfect for natural cages! :D

[@tinglesaj8883]

Maybe. Just don't go out of your way to buy a wire wheel.

[@HammyTime]

@Lolamutt Thank you. It didn’t take very long and these kind of projects are relaxing to me because they don’t require much thought :)

[@gopetpals]

Hammy Time Yeah, it's like sewing! :)

[@sirihandal3974]

This is genius and it looks really good. This is a great way to get a cheap wheel that you can actually use! Unfortunately my gerbils would eat the sisal twine in 2 seconds, but this is a really good hack for hamster owners. I might try this for my own hamster xx

[@HammyTime]

I always wonder if gerbils or mice could benefit from my hamster diys. Thank you for letting me know :)

[@tinglesaj8883]

Don't go out and buy a new wire wheel, it's supporting the company who produces them. It's better to just buy a proper wheel instead.

[@HammyTime]

If you watched the video you would have read that I purchased a "used wheel from a thrift shop" The money went to charity.

[@tinglesaj8883]

My apologies, I understand that you bought a used wheel. To me it seemed that My Animal World wanted to go out and buy one, so I was trying to explain how it's wrong to buy a wire wheel when you could simply buy a proper wheel.

[@TheWordIsGender]

As a mouse owner i can confirm that my boy would absolutely chew the sisal to shreds in moments. My hamster isn't a huge chewer though and probably wouldnt

[@petscrafts948]

It would look so good in HoppingHammys rainforest cage

[@tatorvintot6535]

How do you clean it if they pee on it

[@HammyTime]

Wash it in a sink or bucket filled with soapy water. Rinse and dry :)

[@salsoteca72]

Tysm! The large 12 inch wire wheel is the only affordable wheel I can get for my rats so I hope this might work!

[@grimmb3686]

Oh my gosh! You're back!

[@HammyTime]

It takes me forever and a day to make and post a video but I’m still here I promise :) I have a few videos in production. I just have to get the time to work on them. Thank you for your support :)

[@corn4polla]

Hiii!!! So I recently got to girl hamsters, they were both gaining weight and sleeping most of the day probably because they didn't have the right wheels, so I decided to get 9 inch wire wheels but they started to get bumblefoot! :( I didn't really want to throw out both of their wheels until I found this video! Took me about a total of eight hours with both wheels, did not use a needle because I guess I didn't need one? Still, this has been a saver! Now both my hammies use their wheels and I guess because the wheel is much heavier now for them to run in they sleep and probably get good cardio in, so they aren't up about 12 hours at night, also, no squeaking! And they live in their cages in my room! 😄😄😄😄🤗 thanks hammytime!

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

So creative,and i love the natural look,but ur not gonna be able to clean it and its gonna get dirty pretty fast.

[@QueenSlore]

You're a frigg'in genius! Thank you for this!

[@daisymae3717]

Thats a great idea! We used to use wheels like this (bars or mesh) for our mice when I was a kid because we didn't know any better and sadly some got injured. When I got my gerbils last year I got a silent spinner as they are supposed to be a good alternative but they just buried it and then chewed it! So it had to go. I finally got a wooden wheel for him and he wants nothing to with it 😟

[@tanya9nithreus]

Brilliant idea! :) Thanks for this great tutorial!!

[@evac.705]

Alot of work, much like needlepoint. It looks great!

[@HammyTime]

Yes, but it's relaxing mindless work :)

[@addisonelanore]

Yaaaaay!!!!!!! You made another video! Your vids are always the best!

[@HammyTime]

Aww, thank you :)

[@dubliners0999]

Very cute hamster. I ended up using the Niteangel Silent Spinner for my gerbils because they seem to chew everything and then pee on stuff...

[@HammyTime]

I love the Niteangel wheels! They're by far the best wheels I've ever had 🙂

[@TheWordIsGender]

Hilariously enough, I was just gifted a wire wheel, pretty sure it's 8+inches. It would probably work best for my mouse but I know he'd chew the string, so in the hamster cage it'll go

[@HammyTime]

That's funny :) I noticed that some of the pet stores have started to sell colorful wire wheels so I'm not too surprised that someone thought to buy one for you.

[@TheWordIsGender]

Hammy Time they had used it for their pet sadly but hey I'll take it

[@deltaco8731]

@@HammyTime hey I was wondering won't the string give the hammies rope burn when they run? Sorry, I was concerned.

[@HammyTime]

@@deltaco8731 The sisal is like a cushion because it is pliable. The rope does not slide across their feet so there is no burn :)

[@Windywaters11]

I like the playpen. Do you have a video on how you made this?

[@liz-anne2432]

Great idea I thought then I thought do I really have the patience

[@HammyTime]

I often think I won't have the patience for projects like this, but I'm motivated to make something my hamsters will appreciate and once I start I find it relaxing and therapeutic. I'm an active meditator meaning I have to be doing something to calm my mind.

[@mynoralvarez227]

I’m mind blown 🤯

[@deafe1341]

How much twine would u require for a 10 inch wheel ..

[@HammyTime]

I don't know. It really depends on how fast you are. It's very easy to do, but it is very time consuming. It doesn't require any brain power, so you can relax and do it while watching videos or TV which makes the time go by faster.

[@deafe1341]

@@HammyTime thanks for replying.. loved your video... very helpful

[@livybug6890]

Could I glue popsicle sticks on it instead?

[@HammyTime]

You would need to use a nontoxic glue. You can try nontoxic hot glue. If your hamster pees on it it may be hard to clean and eventually you would need to replace the sticks. Be sure to put the sticks close together so there's no gaps between them so it will prevent your hamster from getting their legs caught between them :)

[@livybug6890]

Hammy Time thank you :)

[@HelenaJN]

Will it nor create smoke or a fire woth the ongoing rubbing?

[@HammyTime]

Not sure I understand, but no, there's no smoke, fire or rubbing.

[@wolf-kissedrosie69]

I finally finished my hamsters wire wheel after a few hours but now when he runs on it he now and again spins out of control. I hope he’ll get used to it. He seems faster so I guess it’s not sore on his feet. I also discovered I’m slightly allergic to sisal twine. 😂 I broke out in a few hives on my right hand and left arm while messing with it. I’ve been getting hives for days though but never so many in one day.

[@HammyTime]

I get a reaction to sisal as well. Mine is mild with only sinus issues. I hope your hamster enjoys his wheel. NightAngel makes really nice ones. 🙂

[@leslyvalerianavarroberrone9323]

Can this be done with a wire (not mesh) wheel?

[@HammyTime]

Yes. I would weave the sisal through the wire bars the other direction so it goes in the direction the hamster runs. It will look more like a basket. 🙂

[@leslyvalerianavarroberrone9323]

@@HammyTime thank you. I can't afford a safe big enough wheel so i'm modifying my wire wheel

[@HammyTime]

@@leslyvalerianavarroberrone9323 I totally understand. Your hamster will appreciate it and it will look nice too 🙂

[@mypetworld5139]

How do you wash it though?

[@HammyTime]

You can wash it in the sink with soap and water. It would take some time to dry.

[@iziddl]

Hi guys, I really need help: I have one of those meshed wheels too, and I covered the inside with sisal fabric (and I sew it with string, really firm), but just the inside. I'm thinking of getting another wheel, but I don't have money enough right now. Can someone PLEASE tell me if it's okay, at least for a while, the meshed wheel all covered in sisal? I think it's safe, because I want to avoid bumblefoot. Anyone? Please? Thank you.

[@HammyTime]

If the sisal is secured well then it should be fine. The sisal is safe to chew on. I know that some people put a strip of duck tape on their wheel which is fine as long as it's not chewed on. It's a good quick fix :)

[@iziddl]

@@HammyTime Omg, thank you. I put sisal fabric, and it looks really great. My only fear is that even with the sisal fabric, my hamster get bumblefoot. I care so much about him, I even did my own bedding with wet (i let dry in the sun) toilet paper. :)

[@iziddl]

@HammyTime is it true that the treatment with VITAMIN C in the first stages of bumblefoot (red paws) help? :/

[@HammyTime]

@@iziddl I honestly don't know. I'm not aware of the treatments. Try hamsterhideout.com It's a forum where you can ask health questions. There are some very knowledgeable people there who can help :)

[@CandysGarden]

Thank you for this!!😊

[@HammyTime]

You're welcome :)

[@Mae-ew2zd]

I have one question..did you get the hamster in this video from someone from FB? Because they were moving? That hamster looks a lot like the one I had to give away..

[@HammyTime]

I got Noodles a couple of years ago from my local animal shelter. I'm sorry you had to re home your hamster.

[@elliejones7397]

Would yarn work if you dont have the sisal twine?

[@HammyTime]

Sisal and seagrass are the only twine and rope that is safe for hamsters according to the forums I searched. It's because sisal and seagrass break down like hay so there's no risk of blockage if ingested. Sisal is very cheap and easy to find. You can get it at craft stores and home improvement stores :)

[@elliejones7397]

Hammy Time Good to know. Thank you

[@RainbowKittensCozyCorner]

that twine wont cut there paws??

[@HammyTime]

The twine is compressible so it cushions their paws.

[@ceasc809]

Your Videos are Awesome I'm late but I'm sad Gimil Passed Away😰

[@HammyTime]

Thank you :) I really miss my Gimi. There will never be another like him.

[@QueenSlore]

I just finished making mine and I want to credit you, but I don't see u on instagram :(

[@HammyTime]

Yay! I would love to see it. I do have an Instagram account but I rarely use it because it's on my phone and I don't spend much time on it. It's called Hammytimehamsters. I need to go on it more often because I really do love seeing everyone's hamsters and pets. Animals are the best therapy for me :)

[@petkeeper3234]

THANK YOU

[@HammyTime]

You're welcome :)

[@kaitlin7622]

here before 15 views! EDIT- Amazing Video!!!!! great DIY too !!!!

[@HammyTime]

Thank you :)

[@666bees]

Until it gets chewed off 😂

[@HammyTime]

LOL

[@Hypnoziz]

I did dis but with carboard

[@HammyTime]

Cardboard is a great idea :)

[@imwatching4us]

Smart!

[@animalcrossingnerd8142]

There still not ass sequre as normal wheels!

[@mypetworld5139]

I would definitely like it if I was a hamster or mouse

[@CRAFTYSWAGGYSHAYSlimeAndKpop]

That must took forever

[@HammyTime]

It did not take very long and it does not require concentration so I did it while watching TV :)

[@aelyri.]

ima try this if im older cuz my future pet is a hamster

[@HammyTime]

If you can, get the Niteangel wheel. I highly recommend them :)

[@j0j086]

You should've wrapped it in grip tape so that the HAMSTER could keep it's nails short

[@ZackAM08]

Lps BeatTrap1213 what if the hamster chewed on the tape

[@threelie]

Mesh wheels are bad

[@HammyTime]

Yes, they are.

[@C.Woodford]

Yes they are but this helps to make them a bit safer is you have no other options :)