Scout stopped running in his wheel

Hammalamma · 07-31-2018, 11:33 AM

Scout (Syrian) stopped running in his saucer wheel at night about 3 weeks ago after being an addict since we got him four months ago.
I thought it might be because it has seized up a bit with sawdust but I took it apart and cleaned it so it runs fast and smooth and he's still not interested. Instead he zips around his cage (but obviously can't get much speed up). He has ball time every day for about 15 mins and is out being fussed and played with too but am a bit concerned that he is not getting enough exercise.
Thoughts please from anyone who has experienced this or who may have ideas.
Thanks

mangoandmimi · 07-31-2018, 11:47 AM

I’ve had a dwarf hamster go off a flying saucer entirely before, still not sure why but I’ve been assuming she flew off and injured herself or something. Maybe it’s best to offer a normal style wheel if you haven’t already - trixie wheel, wodent wheel or something, over 8 inches in diameter (would use 10-12” really). Syrians tend to prefer that style of wheel anyway.

I also think getting a larger normal wheel is much better than using a hamster ball at all - not a fan of the small enclosed stuffy space they have and it’s not necessary imo.

cypher · 07-31-2018, 11:11 PM

What size saucer do you have? It may be that he's outgrown it?
An upright wheel is far better for them & most hams prefer them so I would try replacing it.

Hammalamma · 08-02-2018, 12:20 AM

Thank you mangoandmimi and cypher, I'll look into different wheels...

cypher · 08-02-2018, 12:25 AM

There's a guide to suitable wheels here that might help you decide.
Guide to suitable hamster Wheels

Pebbles82 · 08-02-2018, 12:44 AM

An upright wheel is better for them as Cypher says. If it's less than a 12" saucer it will be too small for him to run comfortably so maybe giving him back ache or something. They will often stop using a wheel or saucer that is too small. If it is a 12" one then our last Syrian would ignore his wheel after it had been cleaned! It took putting the odd treat in it to tempt him back into using it.

Anyway sizewise - needs to be 12" for a flying saucer (this is much more important than with an upright wheel as they don't run as straight on a saucer). For an upright wheel most people go for an 11" or 12" which should be big enough for even the largest of Syrians to be able to run with a straight back. They also find it easier to run in a larger wheel. If you're in the US though there's also the 10" Carolina Storm bucket wheel which is big enough for most Syrians and also a silent wheel.