How to Train the Hamster to Spin Its Hamster Wheel
Hamsters are entertaining pets for people of all ages, and they can enjoy a very happy and healthy life if given the proper care. In addition to a well-balanced diet, plenty of fresh water and lots of human interaction, daily exercise is paramount to optimal health. Specially designed exercise wheels are often enjoyed by hamsters, some of which run on them for hours at a time. Hamsters that seem less than enthused by their exercise wheels can be trained to run in them by using a few treats and consistent encouragement.
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Instructions
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Place the hamster wheel in an area of the hamster's habitat where it has enough room to spin rapidly without banging into the sides of the habitat or any other item inside the enclosure.
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Pick up the hamster and place it inside the wheel, temporarily blocking its ability to exit. Any movement it makes will cause the wheel to spin and help get it accustomed to the feel of the spinning motion.
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Use appropriate food items, such as commercial hamster treats, sunflower seeds or small amounts of safe vegetables or fruits, to coax your hamster into the wheel whenever possible to further acclimate it to the spinning sensation. According to "My Hammie" website, hamsters can be trained to do a number of things using treats as rewards, including standing up.
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Develop a word command or a specific reward system to help encourage the hamster to run in its wheel. For example, saying the word "spin" every time the hamster begins to turn in its wheel or presenting it with a treat after one cycle in the wheel will help it link the exercise to positive stimuli.
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Tips & Warnings
According to "Pet Care Education" website, owners must have an established bond with their pet hamster in order for any type of training to be successful. Daily interaction for increased amounts of time helps to deepen the bond between rodent and human.
Exercise wheels that have open metal bars can lead to foot and leg injuries if the appendage gets stuck while the wheel is in motion. It's best to use an exercise wheel that has a flat-bottomed surface.
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