Do you have trouble sleeping because your hamster’s wheel is making loud noises at night?
Hamsters love to run, especially when it’s dark and quiet.
But sometimes, their wheels can get noisy and keep you awake.
Don’t worry! There are simple ways to make the wheel quieter.
Let’s look at why the wheel makes noise and how you can fix it.
Why Is the Wheel Noisy?
There are several reasons why your hamster’s wheel might be making noise. Let’s explore them:
The Wheel Is Hitting the Cage
One common reason for the noise is that the wheel is hitting the side of the cage.
When your hamster runs fast, the wheel can shake or move slightly, and this causes it to bump into the cage.
When the wheel hits the cage, it makes a loud noise, almost like a knocking sound.
This can happen if the wheel is too close to the cage walls or isn’t placed properly.
The Wheel Isn’t Fitting Properly
Another reason for the noise is that the wheel is not put together tightly.
Some wheels have parts that you need to click into place.
If these parts aren’t fully connected, the wheel can wobble and make noise when the hamster runs.
This rattling sound happens because the loose parts are shaking inside the wheel.
The Wheel Is Old or Broken
If your wheel is old or has been used for a long time, it might start to wear out.
The plastic could have small cracks or be less sturdy than before.
When this happens, the wheel can make more noise than usual.
Over time, parts of the wheel can get loose or damaged, causing even more rattling.
The Wheel Needs Oil
Inside the wheel, there are small parts called bearings.
Bearings help the wheel spin smoothly. But sometimes, they get rusty or dry, and that’s when the wheel can start to squeak.
Washing the wheel can wash away the oil that helps the wheel spin quietly.
Without the oil, the wheel may start making a high-pitched squeaking noise.
The Wheel Is Too High or Too Low
The height of the wheel also matters. If the wheel is set too high, it might shake a lot when your hamster runs.
If it’s set too low, the bottom of the wheel might hit the floor of the cage, making a bumping sound.
The wheel needs to be just the right height, so it spins smoothly without touching the cage floor.
The Cage Stand Is Wobbly
Sometimes, the stand that holds the cage or the wheel can be unstable.
If the stand moves when your hamster runs, it can cause a rattling sound.
This is especially common if the cage is placed on an uneven surface, like a wobbly table.
How to Make the Wheel Quieter
Now that you know why the wheel might be noisy, let’s look at some easy ways to fix it.
These tips can help reduce the noise and make sure you can sleep peacefully.
Add Something Soft under, inside, or between the Wheel
If the wheel is hitting the cage wall, you can stop the noise by putting a piece of thick paper between the wheel and the cage wall.
This acts like a cushion and keeps the wheel from bumping into the cage.
If the wheel is loose, try putting a small piece of cardboard or soft material between the wheel’s parts.
If your wheel has a stand, you can try placing something soft, like a folded piece of newspaper or a small piece of cardboard, under the stand.
Use Clips to Secure the Wheel
If the wheel is attached to the side of the cage, you can use clips to make sure it stays in place.
The clips will help stop the wheel from shaking and making noise.
Adjust the Height of the Wheel
Make sure the wheel is set at the right height.
It should be close to the floor of the cage, but not touching it.
This way, the wheel can spin smoothly without making a bumping sound.
Attach the Wheel Directly to the Cage
If the wheel is on a stand and the stand is making noise, you might want to attach the wheel directly to the side of the cage instead.
This can help stop the stand from moving and causing noise.
Buy a New Wheel
Sometimes, the best solution is to buy a new wheel, especially if your old wheel is worn out.
Consider buying a wheel that is known for being quiet.
Use Earplugs at Night
If your hamster’s wheel is still noisy, and you can’t fix it, you can use earplugs or headphones to block the sound while you sleep.
This will help you rest better at night, even if your hamster is running on the wheel.
