What Size Wheel Do Rats Need?

When considering which wheel to purchase, you should carefully consider your rat’s size and activity level. If you’re thinking about buying a wheel for your rat, be sure to purchase one with arched side support bars to minimize the risk of injury. You should also consider whether the wheel is durable enough to withstand frequent chewing. Some wheels are built with bars and others with solid running surfaces. Although the former type is more commonly seen in pet stores, you should be aware that it can be quite dangerous for your rat if he or she falls through the bars. This can result in a spine injury.

Rats need wheels of the correct size to provide ample exercise and play time. Small pet rats should have 11-inch wheels, while medium and large sized pets should choose wheels with 12 inches or larger. Small wheels can cause injury to your rat’s spine, back, and muscles. These injuries can even be permanent.

Rats of all sizes and breeds should be given a wheel of appropriate size. The standard size of a wheel is 12 inches, but you can get smaller ones for babies and females. However, a larger wheel is ideal for a larger rat as it won’t fit in a standard 12 inch aquarium.