Hamster wheel
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- The related term squirrel cage may refer to:
Hamster wheels are exercise toys used by hamsters and other rodents. Most of these toys are composed of a runged wheel held on a stand by a pair of stub axles. Hamster wheels allow rodents to run even when their space is confined.
Most wheels are usually constructed of steel or plastic. Solid plastic wheels are safer for some types of pets, such as hamsters, because the rungs on a steel wheel can cause injuries. However, steel wheels are much more durable, as some rodents (such as gerbils) will quickly chew on and destroy plastic wheels.
Although wire runged wheels are commonly found in pet shops, plastic wheels may be a safer alternative. Wire wheels allow for the possibility of small animals' getting feet or legs stuck between rungs of the wheel, whereas solid plastic wheels avoid this possibility.
A related toy, the hamster ball is a spherical plastic ball into which a pet can be temporarily locked. The ball allows the pet to freely roll around on the floor to explore and exercise, while preventing escape. Care must be taken to block off stairways, and time in the ball should be limited as more than an hour without access to water could allow a pet to become dehydrated.
[edit] Hamster wheel humour
Hamster wheels dont power anything you suckish freaks!
[edit] Human-sized wheels
Large runged wheels have been constructed large enough to allow humans to exercise and/or roll around in them. See also wheel gymnastics.
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