Robo Dwarf Hamster being weird

Secaries · 12-26-2015, 09:05 AM

Hello,
My girlfriend and I got our second robo dwarf hamster a couple of months ago. His name is Biscuit, and he's a little weird. Our first robo used to run constantly on his wheel. Biscuit won't run on his wheel at all. When we got Biscuit, we took back the wire mesh wheel and bought one of the silent spinners at Petsmart. Weirdly enough, he's out and about during the day, and goes to bed at night. Only time we've ever seen him in the wheel was when he pooped on it, and he only did that once. How do we get him to use his wheel? He also wont use his sand bath

racinghamster · 12-26-2015, 10:45 AM

Hi Secares. First thing is, does the silent spinner `spin` easily when you touch it? I know the newer design is not as fast as the old design, unless you have one of the older silent spinner wheels? Robos do seem to love their wheel, so Biscuit (love the name!) could be using it when he is awake but you may not be witness to this? The sand bath is normally used too or as a toilet! So if you don`t see any disturbance in the sand indicating that he`s been using it, he may not be, but can`t say why. Is the dish the sand is in shallow enough for him to get in/out? Robos have long back legs and are not good climbers, so thy like to have easy low access onto/into things. Same for his drinking bottle and food dish. Both low down so he can access them easily.

The mesh wheels are unsafe really so you did the right thing replacing it for a solid running surface wheel. x

flowerfairy · 12-26-2015, 12:03 PM

My robos love love love their wooden karlie wheels. Or comfort wheels are popular (can be noisey though).

Lozz · 01-12-2016, 05:41 PM

My robo has a flying saucer instead of a wheel because she is so tiny she can't often get them to turn. I know flying saucers have mixed reviews, but it could be something to consider if he won't use his wheel. Mine also comes out during the day when she feels like it, usually to chew her coconut hidey or go for a run- I've noticed robos seem to be quite free spirited! If he doesn't seem to be enjoying the toys he has, try giving him some toilet roll tubes and some chew toys- they are all individuals and have different interests so it could be that.
Otherwise, consider giving him a check up or taking him to the vet as it could be an underlying health problem. Maybe his nails are too long, or he's hurt himself in some way? Does he squeak at all? Harriet hasn't been using her saucer as much because she has a respiratory infection which are very common in rodents and cause them to tire easily.
Xx

xbuttons94 · 01-13-2016, 03:01 AM

I use the flying saucer for my two Robos also. They both love them and I haven't had any problems with them either. As already suggested, check to see if the wheel does spin well and that it isn't too hard to operate for your Rob

. We had a problem with my Syrians wheel as it just stiffened up so we had to order her a new one. As for the sand bath I have one Robo that loves it and the other just uses it as a potty!