Chinchilla wheels are an OPTIONAL cage accessory, but when provided should be a suitable size to prevent an unnatural leaping position.
Chinchillas do not “run” they leap in strides.This list will be done by least expensive to most expensive. ( I’ll try. Prices change over time ) Check the comments for member reviews on the wheels. Many of us have these wheels and some of us swear by certain designs.
Chinchillas do not “run” they leap in strides.This list will be done by least expensive to most expensive. ( I’ll try. Prices change over time ) Check the comments for member reviews on the wheels. Many of us have these wheels and some of us swear by certain designs.
One of the cheapest wheels available are Pan-Wheels. These are wheels made with aluminum or steel pans, with a Lazy-Susan like bearing on the back ( or sometimes scooter wheels ) so the wheel can spin freely. They are about 16” in diameter, which is great! https://www.pandamoniumpets.com/chinchillawheels |
Up next is the Silver Surfer Chinchilla wheel by Chinchillas.com.
This wheel is 14” x 4” and is prefect for younger ( 6mo+ ) or smaller chinchillas. The price is fair at about $70. The come in silver, pink, blue, and purple. Color availability fluctuates.The wheel attaches securely to your cage. Note: If you have a Critter Nation or similarly designed bar spacing you may have issues mounting this wheel. 1” bar spacing would be fine. https://www.chinchillas.com/estore/products |
A very popular wheel choice is the Original Flying Saucer Wheel. This wheel is just under 14” in diameter, but due to it’s style it provides a longer leaping gap so your pet can make a full stride ( no wheel walls to bump noses on/curve tails on ).
The wheel mounts to the cage with a steel bracket system that is very secure. The price of this wheel is about $70- $90 depending on the features you choose. http://www.flyingsaucerwheels.com |
This is a wheel new to the market we’re wanting to try it out, but haven’t had the opportunity to yet. We will be purchasing if our wheels need to be upgraded/replaced.
The ChinSprint is a very large wheel made of all metal. It’s 15” in diameter, and mounts to any cage wall. The price is $99 but we do have a 10% off code for our group “LOVECHIN” that can be used at checkout. https://www.exoticnutrition.com |
Finally, we have a tried and true staple to the chinchilla community. The Chin Spin has been around forever. This wheel is common in most long-term owner’s set ups because the wheel is a beast that lasts!
This wheel is 15” in diameter and can mount to any cage wall. The price point on this wheel is steep at about $120 but you pay for the quality of a hand crafted item that will hold up for years.
https://qualitycage.com/products/15-chin-spin
These wheels suggested above can be shell-shockingly expensive, but they are OPTIONAL accessories! No chinchilla NEEDS a wheel. It is a “extra” item we provide for enrichment. These wheels will however stand up to the trials of time. They are made of durable materials, and last for years. We’ve had some of the same wheels for almost 10 years whereas some of these pet store wheels crumble due to chewing or being worn down.
Replacing a $40 bad wheel every year for 10 years = $400, and companies know that!
Purchasing one quality wheel for $50 - $100 is generally a ONE TIME PURCHASE.
Chinchilla wheel checkpoints:
Sometimes chinchillas are uncertain of new items and avoid them. Many will eventually explore items and learn how to use the wheel on it’s own. Owners have had success using treats over the wheel to motivate their pet to hop on and try it out. This can take quite some time.
Pet stores will market and sell wheels that are small and unsuitable for chinchillas. Try to avoid wheels that fit the following description:
Replacing a $40 bad wheel every year for 10 years = $400, and companies know that!
Purchasing one quality wheel for $50 - $100 is generally a ONE TIME PURCHASE.
Chinchilla wheel checkpoints:
- It should be 14” or larger.
- The running path ( width ) should be 4” or larger.
- There should be a heavy based stand or be securely mounted to the cage wall.
- The wheel surface should be solid, no mesh.
- Metal is the best option for cage accessories.
- The edge of the wheel should be folded and smooth.
Sometimes chinchillas are uncertain of new items and avoid them. Many will eventually explore items and learn how to use the wheel on it’s own. Owners have had success using treats over the wheel to motivate their pet to hop on and try it out. This can take quite some time.
Pet stores will market and sell wheels that are small and unsuitable for chinchillas. Try to avoid wheels that fit the following description:
- Tip when you place a small amount of weight on them.
- Claim to be “silent”.
- Are made from plastic.
- Are made from wire mesh.
- Have a dome shape to the edge ( removes “running” surface ).
- Have spokes in the middle - They tap backs!