Piglet doesn't go on his wheel anymore...

[pigletfrappe]

Hey! My hamster, Piglet, used to go on his wheel all the time when I first got him but now he doesn't go on it anymore (I've had him for a year and a half). I'm not sure, he may go on it at night but it doesn't seem like it. Any suggestions why or what I can do to encourage him to go on it? Any help is appreciated!

[Fluffagrams]

Most hamsters will run on their wheels at some point during their waking hours even if it's only for brief periods but as they age you will find that they become less energetic and they spend less time on the wheel than they did when they were younger. That's nothing to worry about unless they are displaying signs of illness such as breathlessness.

As long as he is able to run on the wheel without his back being arched and it turns freely then I think that you'll have done what is necessary to encourage him - the rest will be down to him.

[Thin Lizzy]

Piglet's one & a half so he's getting older and they do tend to slow down around that age.

[Seraxil]

I heard someone suggest putting food or substrate in the wheel and then if it's gone in the morning you know it has been used!

[CMB]

Putting substrate on top of the wheel before going to bed. Then check in the morning. If it has gone the hamster has probably used the wheel.