Zum Start der Sommersaison möchten wir das mit euch feiern: Nur bis Sonntag, den 22.06.2025 bekommt ihr 12% Rabatt auf unser gesamtes Laufrad-Sortiment. Egal ob ihr eurem Hamster sein erstes richtiges Laufrad gönnen wollt oder das alte Modell ein Upgrade verdient hat – jetzt ist der perfekte Zeitpunkt!
Wheel inserts - cork replacement for a gentle & safe running surface
Our cork inserts for running wheels are the perfect addition for hamsters, mice and other rodents that need to run on soft and safe surfaces. Cork offers natural grip and is gentle on paws and joints, making the running experience particularly comfortable.
As the cork running surface wears out over time, we offer custom-fit replacement inserts that have been specially developed for our Getzoo running wheels. The inserts are made of a food-safe plastic base that makes them easy to insert, remove and clean - for maximum hygiene and a long service life.
Replace worn-out running surfaces with our high-quality running wheel inserts and ensure that your rodent can continue to run safely, comfortably and in a species-appropriate manner.
Why shop at Getzoo?
- Made in Germany – Lovingly handcrafted
- Fast shipping – Processing within 24 hours, shipping next business day
- 30-day return guarantee – Try without risk
- Buyer protection – Secure payments via AmazonPay, Klarna & PayPal Plus (Invoice & installment payments available)
- Over 100,000 satisfied customers! Known from Amazon, Fressnapf & more!
- Species-appropriate rodent supplies – Approved by breeders & associations
Does it have to be a running wheel with cork?
Running wheels are indispensable for many small rodents. Some exotic mice, Mongolian gerbils and hamsters, for example, run several kilometres in one night. Even in the largest enclosure, this becomes difficult without a wheel and can even lead to stereotypies. The running wheel - whether with cork or without - therefore enables the little marathon runners to fully fulfil their urge to move.
Running wheels are also a favourite toy for rodents. Even wild mice play with the hamster wheels and run in them when they are offered to them.
If you want to offer your hamster or other rodent good running comfort in the running wheel, use cork for the running surface. Cork is soft, mould-resistant and hardly swells, as it absorbs moisture rather poorly. At the same time, the surface of cut cork is always slightly textured.
Cork is therefore the ideal material for a hamster wheel: it offers good grip, is completely non-toxic as a natural material and is a renewable resource.
Cork inserts in the wheel?
Of course! Who doesn't know them, the little wheel peckers. They quickly become unhygienic and also smell unpleasant. As the cork surface is only suitable for painting to a very limited extent, we have now found a practical solution to the problem: You can now replace the cork in the impeller. Simply remove the old, damaged or smelly inlay and insert the new one.
The same applies to signs of wear and gnawing damage. Although cork is robust, it doesn't last forever - especially if the owner of the wheel loves it. Even then, simply replace the cork if the damage becomes too great. And then hamsters, mice and co. can run around on an optimal surface again.
Running wheel with replaceable cork - the advantages
Hamster wheels are sometimes subjected to a lot of wear and tear. This can damage the cork. However, you may also use the running wheels with cork in quarantine and therefore have to clean them often. A cork insert for your little one's bike has several advantages:
- easier to clean when dirty
- intensive cleaning possible under the cork surface - mites cannot get stuck underneath
- quick replacement in the event of damage
- easy replacement after quarantine with endoparasites
- Avoidance of unpleasant odours
The replaceable inlay makes our running wheels with cork even safer and an all-round clean affair.
Frequently asked questions about wheel inserts
We have developed the inserts especially for our wheels with cork. In principle, they also fit into our wooden balance bikes. However, you may need to shorten them a little to make them fit perfectly. In addition, our inserts for wooden wheels are slightly wider than those for plastic wheels. As wood "works" as a material, you can adjust the cork inserts to fit perfectly.
If it gets dirty, remove the cork surface and rinse it several times with lukewarm water. Then leave the strips to dry for approx. Leave them damp for 10 to 15 minutes and shower them off again. This softens the dirt and makes it easy to remove afterwards. It should be completely dry before you put it back in the wheel. However, cork only tolerates dry heat to a limited extent. Therefore, please do not place the inserts on the heater to dry.
We strongly advise against using surface disinfectants on the insoles. They are not developed for these surfaces and do not work optimally anyway. However, if necessary, you can scald or steam off the running surface like the running wheel and then reinsert the cork.
