Having The Right Exercise Wheel For Your Chinchilla   

With a cage for your chinchilla, they should also be some chew toys, a television and a wheel for exercise. This way they'll have plenty of things to do while they're in the cage. 

Wheels may do your pet chinchilla good, provided that they start using them at an early age.  A wheel that is 12 - 15 inches is the best choice and the surface should be solid and made of metal.  Having wheels installed in the cage provides them with good exercise.  As mentioned, it is only beneficial if they're introduced to it early on. 

Look for a 15 inch wheel (anything smaller will be too small for most adult chinchillas), with a solid running surface and an open side with no cross supports (wire wheels are dangerous to feet and tails).   In order for the wheel to fit in properly, you should measure the door of the cage. Even though your pet chinchilla will still get their outside exercise, a cage is strongly recommended for exercise inside. 

Sometimes, your pet chinchilla may not adapt to the wheel right away. Don't fret--sometimes it may take them a while to get acclimated, especially since it's new to them. Older chinchillas don't adapt to change very well and it may take them longer to get used to it. It may take them weeks, or even months to get acclimated to the device. When they do, they usually like it and take to the wheel well, especially when they realize that it's benefiting them. Anything that benefits them is good, and they try to keep a positive demeanour. 

Another aspect of having a wheel in your pet's cage is safety.  You have to make sure that they are able to exercise on a running surface.  The surface should be solid or made from mesh.  The measurements should be no more than 1/2" X 1/2".  Anything more than that can result in the chinchilla having leg, foot or toe injuries.  Their lower extremities are very delicate and can result in amputation if not attended to properly. 

As with chew toys, the wheels should not be made of plastic.  Plastic can harm your pet by causing issues with their intestinal area.  The pet can chew and ingest the plastic pieces which can cause this.  If you use a wheel with spokes, you are asking for trouble.  Not only can your pet chinchilla face injury to their arms or legs, the risk of having their limbs amputated increases. For a good exercise wheel, try All Living Things Flying Saucer Small Animal Wheel (Color Varies) size: 12 in.

Even your pet can sense when there's danger with these type of wheels.  When that happens, they're reluctant to exercise on them.  These type of wheels are not recommended to be installed in their cages.  If you do use them, you are not looking out for your pet's best interests.  Another type of wheel, called a safe wheel, has screws in the inside centre.  They seem to have more fun on this type of wheel because of the decreased danger.     

The recommended measurement for a wheel is 12", even though there is some debate about that.  Most people seem to do ok with that size wheel.  Pet stores normally sell the wheels with the spokes, which as stated in the previous paragraph is dangerous for chinchillas.  There have been reports that the wheel may cause your pet's spine to curve, because there's only so much room; of course, that's probably remain to be seen. 

If you find abnormal issues with your pet after getting on the wheel, you should stop until your find out what's going on.  If you are unsure about what type of wheel to purchase, contact your local pet store or consult with your local veterinarian.