How much is normal to run?

[Axolotl hammy]

I have a hybrid dwarf who is fairly young. I’d say around 2 months old. He was itty bitty when I got him. Ever since he came home he has ran so much on his wheel. I’m talking like 25-27km (~16-17miles) per night on his niteangel wheel. He’s got a 8sq foot cage with lots of enrichment, it’s not like the wheel is the only thing he has to do. He’s super friendly and handleable but I don’t think I’ve ever had a hamster run quite this much. He runs from like 11 or 12pm to 5am. Is this just baby energy? I’ve had 4 hybrid dwarf hams total. My last hybrid dwarf (female) was nuts (she absolutely had neurological issues) and the one before that (also female) didn’t run a ton. The one before that was a male and he did not run a ton either but he lived to be about 3.5 years old. What is going on? I see 5 miles tossed around a lot but this is much more.

 

[Maz]

They can be wheel crazy at first and then it settles down

 

[ilguy]

Hamster do genuinely enjoy their wheels, and not just in captivity. They have a natural drive to travel for miles each night. There was a study a few years back that put a wheel out in the desert for them to try, they absolutely loved it. Hamsters from around 50km away would sometimes return to try it again. They would also get in line and wait for turns too, I would kill to find footage of it again. Other small animals also gave it a go.

 

[Axolotl hammy]

They can be wheel crazy at first and then it settles down

It’s been a few weeks since I got him

 

[Socks' Mum]

Hamster do genuinely enjoy their wheels, and not just in captivity. They have a natural drive to travel for miles each night. There was a study a few years back that put a wheel out in the desert for them to try, they absolutely loved it. Hamsters from around 50km away would sometimes return to try it again. They would also get in line and wait for turns too, I would kill to find footage of it again. Other small animals also gave it a go.

Adorable

 

[Maz]

It’s been a few weeks since I got him

He's still young Having said that sometimes they do it more if stressed - like trying to run away. So it's also important not to disturb his cage or move things around etc.