My large hamster uses a 7-inch ball. Is a 6.5-inch wheel too small?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is definitely a good idea to separate your hamsters to avoid fighting. While a running wheel or ball are great activities it doesn’t necessarily meet a hamster’s normal behavior to burrow. I recommend providing plenty of nesting material in both cages. You can also provide various tubes that encourage further burrowing or huts that allow for hiding and establishing a territory. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you have!

Thanks for reaching out. One, larger animals won't fit in the ball. 2. You do need to monitor so that toe nails are safe, but this rarely happens. 3. Ventilation is not good but they don't spend much time in it, so should be okay.

I recommend choosing the larger cage for sweet pea. Hamsters like to have separate bathroom / toilet areas well away from their bedding, so the one with the biggest base area is the best. Height of cage is less important. Also provide safe chewing sticks for her to gnaw her teeth on.

That poses a particular problem but I am glad to hear that it has resolved. i would recommend keeping a good eye on your hamster for recurrence of problems. I would be worried about some type of spinal trauma, such as a back injury or stroke. It is encouraging that it has resolved but keep an eye on the situation. Hamster balls can be good exercise but is probably not for every hamster. If you think it is more stressful, don't put him in it. There are hamster wheels that are open and might be less stressful.

If she is claiming up after falling, she likely isn't hurting herself. You can get a smaller wheel or a larger cage so she can't reach the bars. Provide additional chew toys or hides to occupy her. Make sure the bars are close enough together so that she cannot get her head between them. Hamsters are nocturnal, so she is going to be more active at night.

You can use an exercise ball with s gerbil. Be sure to keep it away from stairs or ledges. You can also try a different wheel or exercise apparatus. There could be a personal preference. Make sure the cage is big enough for 2 gerbils to prevent stress or bullying.

Hamsters are easily stressed when they have new pups, and can actually cannibalize pups if there are any changes in the environment. You should keep any activity in the cage to a minimum, so if the wheel is already in there, I do not recommend removing it. I hope all is well with Peanut and her pups!