How does the running wheel affect the behaviour and reproduction of golden hamsters kept as pets?

Abstract

Although there are many studies on the running wheel in laboratory animals, it is not clear if a running wheel should be provided for golden hamsters kept as pets. Unlike laboratory animals, golden hamsters kept as pets usually have larger cages, more varied food, and are kept singly. In this study, 10 sister-pairs of golden hamsters were kept singly in large enriched cages with a functional or a non-functional large running wheel. Using video-recordings, the behaviour of hamsters of both groups was compared. Hamster females with a functional wheel showed significantly less climbing and stereotypical bar-mouthing than females with non-functional wheels. In order to compare the physical condition of the females, they were regularly mated and raised up to four litters before they stopped reproducing. Body masses did not differ between the groups, but females with functional wheels had significantly larger litters. Offspring growth did not differ, probably because the females decreased running in the wheel during pregnancy and stopped running completely during lactation. Therefore, we conclude that a large well-constructed running wheel will have no detrimental effect on golden hamsters kept in large and enriched cages with ad libitum access to adequate food and water. On the contrary, the running wheel may have had a beneficial effect on the well-being of the hamsters since it significantly decreased stereotypic bar-mouthing. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.