Top Rated Chinchilla Wheel for 2023 – A Comprehensive Comparison
Spending time with your pet is rewarding for both you and the furry friend you own. More often than not, though, the time we have at our disposal for that is limited and if your four-legged pet is a chinchilla, you know that a source of movement and fun should be often provided. Here’s where running wheels come into sight. Designed to keep your pet active, the best chinchilla wheel is a must when it comes to a chinchilla’s fun gear. After a careful analysis of such products available for sale, Dr. Fox has concluded that You & Me Exercise Wheel is the first option to consider because it has a solid and durable build, can be quickly and securely attached to wire habitats, and uses non-toxic pet safe materials. In case this product is sold out, the second option should be the Kaytee Comfort 100079364.
Comparison table
This is a solid and durable mesh wheel built with non-toxic, pet-safe materials that won’t pose any health hazards. It is easy to clean and set up so you don’t waste much time on this unpleasant activity. It can be attached to all wire habitats or a standing base. It is ideal to keep small pets fit and active.
The wheel size is inappropriate for adult rats and chinchillas. The build might not be solid enough to hold the weight of an adult chinchilla.
Ideal wheel for rats and chinchillas of small to medium sizes. It is user-friendly as it can be cleaned and set up without difficulty. It can be used alone or attached to wire habitats. Encourages physical activities and prevents boredom.
A safe, durable and solid running surface that promotes physical activity without being noisy or dangerous.The "tail-safe" design allows the pet to enter and exit the wheel easily.Can be attached to a wire cage or used alone thanks to the heavy duty wire stand included.
Some customers felt that the wheel might be a bit noisy. Others noted that this wheel does not seem as sturdy as they initially thought.
The wheel features a simple yet effective build. Since it comes in various sizes, it can be used with chinchillas and rats of all sizes. It can be easily attached to wire habitats or used alone thanks to standing base it comes with.
This option features a metal and wood construction that is guaranteed to keep your chinchilla safe for years. It is easy to use, comfortable, and big enough to fit pets of all sizes and ages inside. It is available in six different colors so that you can personalize your purchase.
It is a bit heavy at 8 pounds, which means that, if attached to flimsy cages, it can cause the wall to break or dent.
This is a high-quality and durable chinchilla wheel that is built to last you a very long time. It has an ample opening so that it can fit all pets, and it attaches easily to all metal wire cages thanks to its simple but sturdy screw mechanism.
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Also To Consider
5 Best Chinchilla Wheels (Reviews) in 2023
1. You&Me Chinchilla Wheel
If you’re looking for some extra fun for your chinchilla, a spinning wheel is one of the first items to consider. They have been designed to meet a chinchilla’s needs to be active and they will provide your furry friend with enough movement when you’re not there to play together. This exercise wheel from You & Me is the first product to consider when looking for such an item.
Featuring a solid and durable mesh wheel, this item is ideal for keeping small pets such as rats, chinchillas, and other like-sized pets fit and active. It has an 11″ diameter, which makes it perfect to provide such small pets or chinchilla babies with the playtime needed to prevent boredom.
The materials used are non-toxic and pet-safe and the product is easy to clean and set up. It can be quickly and securely attached to a standing base or wire habitats.
Pros
Animals such as rats and chinchillas, even if small-sized, require activities that involve their physical movement more than other pets. This exercise wheel from You & Me was designed to keep your pet active and fit.
Since a chinchilla’s exercise session sometimes feels like it never ends, the wheel you use must be durable and that’s one of the things you get with this item. The mesh wheel features a solid build to keep up with your pet’s daily workouts.
The product uses non-toxic, pet-safe materials. It is also easy to clean and setup and can be attached to wire habitats or a standing base without difficulty. It is ideal for small-sized pets such as rats and chinchillas.
Cons
Some customers found the wheel size inappropriate for adult rats and chinchillas. They found the build not solid enough to hold the weight of a full chinchilla.
2. Kaytee Comfort Wheel
In case the previous item is not available for sale, you might want to try the Comfort Wheel from Kaytee for exercises your pet will love. Designed to allow your pet to spin, run, and roll, this wheel encourages healthy exercising in a safe environment and prevents boredom.
The product features a durable and solid running surface as well as a “tail-safe” design, which will allow your pet to enter and exit the wheel easily, a feature often ignored by many other wheels. It promotes physical activity without being noisy or dangerous.
Thanks to the 2-way attachment clip included in the package, the wheel can be attached to a wire cage or it can be used alone thanks to the heavy-duty wire stand it comes with. The wheel is ideal for rats and chinchillas of all sizes and ages since it is available in sizes small, large, and giant.
Pros
If you want a stable, solid, and safe wheel, then this model from Kaytee is worth considering. The product was built with all these three aspects in mind. Moreover, it will provide your pet with the necessary environment to exercise while keeping the entire operation quiet.
Unlike other wheels that might put your pet in jeopardy while exercising, this one features a tail-safe design so your pet can enjoy physical activities without getting hurt. The wheel can be used alone since it comes with a heavy-duty wire stand but can also be attached to a wire cage. The product comes in various sizes that render it ideal for rats and chinchillas of all ages.
Cons
Some customers found the product noisy despite the company’s claims. At least a couple of the reviews we’ve found said the wheel got broken quite rapidly.
3. Quality Cage Crafters Chinchilla Wheel
This model features an open-wheel design, and it measures 15” in diameter, which will allow chinchillas of all ages and sizes to fit inside it comfortably. The backing is made of high-quality wood while the ring is made of sheet metal so that the wheel can handle many years of heavy use.
It can mount to all wire cages thanks to its ingenious screw mounting mechanism that lets you secure the wheel to the wall of the cage in just a few short minutes. Once secured, the screws won’t budge, and the wheel will deliver a running surface of 6-1/4”.
The front edge is smooth and safe so that your pet won’t risk getting injured when getting in or out of the wheel. What’s more, the ring is coated with a silver vein powder coating to provide the pet with a better grip. The metal surface is also very easy to keep clean.
Pros
It is a versatile option that is great not only for chinchillas but also for prairie dogs, degus, armadillos, and more since the 15” diameter can house pets of different sizes.
You can choose between six different colors, and it is very easy to get a product that will go well with the rest of the accessories and toys inside the cage.
It is easy to mount on all wire cages thanks to the supplied hardware and, once mounted, the sturdy screws will keep the wheel secured, and it will stay silent.
The package comes with photo-illustrated instructions and a set of extra bearings for long-term durability.
Cons
It weighs 8 pounds, so you’ll need to make sure that the cage wires are strong enough to handle the wheel before you install it.
The heavy construction also makes it difficult for pets to stop the wheel once it’s in motion.
4. Chin Spin Chinchilla Wheel
This 15-inch small exercise wheel could prove one of the best chinchilla wheels options because it will provide plenty of room to run around. It is not necessarily for sale at an affordable price, but you will have to pay extra for high-quality products.
This particular wheel is a whole-metal construction without any plastic pieces which can be easily chewed or damaged in a short amount of time. As a result, this wheel will have a prolonged life expectancy and might prove exactly what your chinchilla is looking for.
The safe open wheel design features a wide running surface, enough to keep your pet busy during the night and prevent it from becoming overweight.
Most people who bought the product were pleased with its quality, claiming it gets the job done well and represents an important source of distraction, amusement, and workout routine for chinchillas.
Pros
The 15-inch exercise wheel is large enough to allow your pet to stretch when working out.
It can be easily installed in almost all chinchilla cages thanks to the harsh exterior surface. All wire cages can be easily transformed into a true gym for your chin with this amazing metal wheel.
The dual ball bearings are made for long-lasting performance.
According to some of the customers, the front of this cage is extremely smooth, allowing for easy exercises without the risk of cutting due to sharp or serrated parts.
Cons
This product is probably more expensive than most of the items of this category you will find online and in specialized pet shops. If you are on a strict budget we do suggest looking for more affordable options.
If you own a baby chin and you still let it inhabit in a plastic cage, you won’t be able to mount this wheels. We only advise you to buy metal cages if you want to purchase this particular wheel.
5. Ware Manufacturing Exercise Wheel
This option measures 11” in diameter, which makes it an ideal choice for medium to large pets, and it promotes exercise and play so that your furry companion can live a long, active, and happy life. Its size allows this wheel to be used by chinchillas, hamsters, rats, and other similarly sized pets.
The unit is made of sturdy powder-coated metal that is very durable and easy to clean. The design of the unit also puts a big emphasis on pet safety and comfort since the wheel will keep the small feet and the tail of your chinchilla protected. Your critter can run and play without its fluffy tail getting stuck in the spinning mechanism.
It also comes with a heavy metal stand that makes it easier to position the wheel anywhere inside the cage. The wheel can also be used to transport the critter outside or as a holding area while you clean the cage.
Pros
The durable metal exercise wheel features a secure stand that gives you more freedom to position it anywhere you want inside the cage, and it delivers great stability.
This unit boasts a safe design that will protect the tail and feet of your pet so that it can enjoy hours upon hours of fun play and exercise without the risk of getting injured in the process.
It is very quiet even when used by energetic pets, and you can keep it from squeaking in the future by adding more oil to the bearing.
The product is available in four different sizes so that you can get one for all your pets.
Cons
Large chinchilla may find the 11” wheel a bit too small, and in this case, you might need to go with the 15” model.
The package doesn’t do a very good job of protecting the wheel, and if you’re unlucky, it can arrive bent.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Making your pet happy may seem like an easy task at the beginning, but could prove quite the opposite once you learn about the large diversity of products on the market sold solely for the health, comfort, and happiness of your animal.
You may think that owning a chinchilla will be a hustle-free job since the rodent is quite small and doesn’t require too much attention. You couldn’t be more wrong as chinchillas are extremely sensitive and pretentious animals and require extra care.
From food to bedding and exercising wheels, everything has to be of superior quality when it comes to the comfort of your chinchilla. Thus, if you are thinking about purchasing a spinning wheel you need to take these aspects into consideration:
Materials used
The main important feature to look for is obviously the materials from which these spinning wheels are made. There are two main types of materials – metal and plastic, counting for the large majority of wheels sold on the market, each coming with its own perks and negative parts.
Metal constructions are obviously harder, heavier, and stronger, providing the necessary support for your chinchilla. They are also impossible to chew or damage by your pet meaning they will last you for a long time.
On the other side, metal constructions do tend to cost more and could reach quite big prices if you are looking for the most qualitative items. They also tend to be noisier and, again, you will have to pay extra if you are searching for silent metal wheels.
Those of you who do not want to pay up to more than one hundred dollars for a single pet accessory, we suggest opting for the more cost-efficient items, the plastic wheels.
Plastic wheels can come in multiple colors, are lightweight and, usually, extremely easy to setup. However, they can be chewed or damaged by your pet in the long term or may break if you drop the cage of your pet once.
On the other hand, plastic wheels are budget-friendly and the best types if you are looking for silent accessories. Most plastic wheels do not make any noises, which is extremely rewarding especially if you live with your pet in the same room and want to get any rest during the night. Just don’t expect them to last you a lifetime.
Fixing systems
When it comes to mounting your chinchilla wheel there are two main options – you either purchase a standing version with a strong, metal base or opt for an attachable device on metal cages which usually works on nails.
It is really up to you which type of mounting you prefer. For better support and a firmer mounting, we do suggest purchasing metal wheels which can easily be attached to metal cages. Sure, the overall result will be quite heavy, but it will also be durable and stress-free for your animal.
Moreover, you will eliminate the risk of your chinchilla chewing the plastic parts or hurt itself in unsafe, unstable devices.
Unavailable products
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner
If you consider a 15-inch running wheel a little bit too large for your baby chinchilla, find out that there are plenty of other alternatives available on the market. For instance, the Silent Runner counts for 3 inches less but provides similar performances and will allow your chinchilla to freely run and spend its energy in a constructive way.
Thanks to its amazing design, just like the name says it, this wheel is extremely silent, which will count for a big plus, especially if you plan on living in the same room with your pet. We all know how active rodents become during the night, so having a wheel which doesn’t make noise when your chinchilla pet works on it could truly prove a blessing.
If you are looking to mount this wheel inside your rodent’s cage, you can purchase the cage attachment separately for a convenient price.
Pros
This 12-inch exercise wheel will easily fit most chinchilla cages and will provide the required dose of movement for your rodent.
The product is made from easy metal but thanks to the unique design, this wheel is as quiet as possible. This means you can easily get your night rest without having to interfere with the nocturnal program of chinchillas.
The heavy metal stand allows for easy positioning inside most cages but you can also purchase an additional attachment for cages if you want to.
It has been voted as one of the best wheels for chinchilla, so we suggest you give this one a try.
Cons
This product will not necessarily come cheap. There are plenty of options available on the market but if you are looking for a silent wheel, you will have to pay extra money. However, we do suggest looking at different items before deciding on the best option for your budget.
Kaytee Silent Spinner Wheel
If you are looking for a way to get your rodent out of its bedding for chinchilla and in for a spin, this giant silent spinner wheel may be the perfect solution. What we liked the most about this product is that you can choose the frustration-free packaging which is lightweight and extremely easy to assemble.
The product is specially designed for quiet spinning meaning you can say goodbye to the sleepless nights waiting for your chinchilla pet to finish its exercises. Now you can sleep well and focus on your tasks without having to worry that your pet doesn’t get its daily dose of running.
The amazing design encourages healthy exercising while being safe for use for all small rodents and chinchillas. In addition, the 12-inch design comes with plenty of safe space for exercising without the risk of tangling or hurting your animal during the process.
Pros
This silent wheel delivers what it preaches – a noise-free running platform for chinchillas, rats, and other small rodents that require daily exercise.
Thanks to the unique design, it promotes healthy exercising while offering plenty of space for stretching legs and paws.
The product works in two ways: you can purchase the free standing version with a solid base or attach the device on almost all wired cages.
This silent wheel also comes for an affordable price so we encourage all pet owners to give this one a try. Your chinchilla may end up loving it!
Cons
The construction is made from solid plastic which doesn’t confer the same safety and worry-free design as heavy metal constructions. The plastic can still be chewed by your chinchilla so make sure to always keep an eye on your pet if you want this wheel to work for a long time.
Bibliography:
2) Cage necessities for chinchillas
5) How big should a chinchilla wheel be?
June 28, 2020 at 11:38 pm
Mesh and plastic wheels should never be anywhere near the top of the list! These are so bad for any animal let alone chinchillas. Plastic is bad for them to chew on and mesh is bad for their feet. Tic tac wheels or the chin spin are the best and safest ones
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June 30, 2020 at 7:42 am
Hi Chloe. Thanks for your feedback! You’re right. The plastic wheels for chinchillas are good only if monitored and if you remove your little one after exercise time is over.
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October 16, 2019 at 1:32 am
I have rescued chinchillas for over 27 years, and I give them forever homes. The only wheel on this list that I would agree is suitable for a chinchilla, would be the Chin Spin. Chinchillas poop a LOT. And the enclosed front of the Silent Runner would mean that the poops would be tumbling around in there with the chin as it ran. It’s not very convenient to continuously have to disassemble and clean. Chins should not have plastic wheels, as they tend to chew plastic and swallow bits. There is another wheel that is not on your list, which I consider the absolute best of all. Every one of my chinchillas has one in their cage. And that is the real Flying Saucer Wheel. (Not the cheap plastic ones sold in stores.) It’s sold at http://www.flyingsaucerwheels.com. I am not compensated in any way, nor do I know anybody associated with the company. It’s simply the best wheel that you can get for a chinchilla. It allows them to run at a full stride because of the design. And this is a lifetime product that will never need replacing. It does have some replaceable parts, however, my chins have yet to wear one out.
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October 17, 2019 at 8:05 am
Hi Lynn. Thank you very much for your input. I’ll definitely look into this and update the page if necessary!
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