Thread: how big should a wheel be for a 8 week old rat?

I bought an 8 week old rat today and couldnt decide which size wheel to get her. I got her a hamster/gerbil sized silent spinner. My rat is about 3.5 inches long (not includin tail) and about 6 inches including tail. The wheel has about an 6.5 inch diameter. Do you think she is ok in it for now? What size is too big for this wheel?

None, go to any rodent specialist, rodents such as gerbils/rats and other rodents with long tails should NOT have wheels to walk on, because if they go to fast or somthing they can develpo back problems and they can break their tale

The wheel you have is all right for now, but very soon she will be too big for it. I would recommend getting a larger one within the next couple weeks. Rat-sized ones are usually the largest a pet store sells, around 10" diameter.

I would recommend getting a Wodent Wheel if you can, here is a link to a place you can buy them: http://www.martinscages.com/products/accessories/exercise.htm

Other wheels can be all right for rats, look for one with a more solid surface and that has space between the wheel and the side bars as their tails can get caught as the wheel is rolling.

Not all rats like to use wheels, I've only ever had a few that did. If you are starting him with one as a young rat there is a much greater chance he will use one as an adult.

For more information about rat care please visit my website (link in profile) or feel free to email me with any rat questions by clicking the link on my user profile. Good luck with your rat!

You should get an 11" wheel, preferable a wodent wheel, or a silent runner, as they are both made of solid plastic and prevent things such as bumblefoot (sores from wire) and broken tails (from getting caught in the wheels spokes)

just buy a wheel that is especially made for rats. If he runs on it, you have to know that he will still grow

why would you buy a rat