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 petshops they are dangerous to small animals as they harm their feet. If the small animals foot were to become caught in the spaces while running then that small animals would have a broken leg and may have to be put to sleep. Plastic wheels such as Super Pets Silent Spinner or Comfort wheel is a much safer choice as it has not spaces that could allow a small animal to have its foot stuck,
A related toy, the hamster ball is a spherical plastic ball which a pet can be temporarily locked inside. This 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. Also do not leave your pet in the "hamster ball" for more then half an hour as it can become dehydrated.
[edit] Hamster wheel humour
Hamster wheels have often been proposed as the basis of many speculative methods for power generation, though they have proven impractical. They are often said to be the true power behind computer networks, especially slow-moving or unreliable ones. The joke is similarly applied to automobiles and other motor vehicles.
[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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