diy wheel

[umleila]

As I have posted in another part of this forum, I am waiting for a decent size wheel for my Syrian hamster. It has been sent from the UK but I think I might have to wait a while because of all the postal strikes. In the meantime the one I have is way too small.

Today I went out and bought a tupperware bowl and am going to try and attempt to make one of these.

http://www.hamstercareforum.co.uk/index.php?id=47

I don't have all the right equipment yet, but that didn't stop me making a half decent bin cage and I think I can still make a safe wheel for Berta until she gets her new wheel.

I would like to make one the equivalent of a senoir size wodent wheel I think but am having trouble with the calculations. I am rubbish at working those things out :oops:

I have looked at a couple of websites and they say the entry holes for the senior are 2.6 inches and they are mouse hole shaped. The junior wodent wheel has round entrance holes and they are 2.1 entry holes and are round, as I'm sure you all know :D The bowl that I got is 17cm diameter approx 6.6 inches. Is that too small to have the mouse size holes? Should I just try and make the round ones instead? Are they suitable for a Syrian or too small?

My Syrian is quite small still and this is just a temporary measure until I get a proper wheel.

I look forward to hearing your advice and hearing about other possibilities for a diy wheel. Thanks in advance :D

[souffle]

The Junior wheel is ideal for even the largest of syrians. The Senior is really too large and won't fir in most cages. I'd go with the Junior sized holes.
That is a fabulous link and a great idea :)

[umleila]

Thanks :D

It works :D :D :D

I don't have the bolts and washers yet, so we have improvised a bit with DD's drum stick and other stuff to get the tension right lol! I am so happy that she finally has a wheel that is the right size. I just wish I had found that link before and not ordered a new wheel! Could have saved myself some money.

Here is a pic and a short video...

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/umleila/berta/th_DSCF1135.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/umleila/berta/?action=view&current=DSCF1135.flv)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/umleila/berta/DSCF1138.jpg

[souffle]

How fabulous is that :shock: You are a genius :) I bet she'd rather keep that wheel.

[helenf]

That's fantastic - and I'm sure it will be better than a 'real' wheel :D. The whole cage looks absolutely fab.

Hamsters can't climb up string, I assume? :)

[umleila]

That's fantastic - and I'm sure it will be better than a 'real' wheel :D. The whole cage looks absolutely fab.

Hamsters can't climb up string, I assume? :)

I was hoping not!!! Time will tell though :lol:

Thanks for the comments :)