A small animal habitat and a method for coupling an exercise wheel assembly to a small animal habitat. The small animal habitat includes a primary habitat portion, the primary habitat portion having a bottom portion, a central portion, and a top portion. The small animal habitat also includes an external hide structure coupled to the top portion of the primary habitat portion. An exercise wheel assembly is also provided, wherein the exercise wheel assembly is coupled to, and suspended from, the external hide structure. Additionally, a portion of the exercise wheel extends outside of the external hide structure.
