Flying saucer

buttercuplols · 12-30-2018, 02:26 AM

Hiya all.

I've seen a fair few posts asking about these but here's my specific issue...

Whilst waiting for a suitable sized wodent wheel to arrive from Germany (went to get a Syrian and came home with a Russian so decided to downsize for space) I gave my little one a saucer which she took absolutely no interest in and just ran around the cage instead.

The wodent wheel arrived and she absolutely loved it but I hadn't taken the saucer out as I'd changed her cage a bit already and didn't want to freak her out.

Anyway, two weeks down the line and the last three nights she's been on the saucer pretty much exclusively. Her running position looks OK on both wheels but I've heard long term they aren't great.

Should I remove it? I feel sooo mean as she's having a whale of a time! I would obviously keep it either way for bathtub playtime.

Thanks!

cypher · 12-30-2018, 03:53 AM

I would leave it for now if she's really enjoying using it, if she goes back to using the wheel then you could think about taking it out.
I used to have both in the cage with a few of mine at one time & even though they liked using them some of the time I ended up taking them out for one reason or another, too noisy or they just kept flying around the cage! Having an alternative upright wheel none of them really seemed bothered when I did take them out.

mangoandmimi · 12-30-2018, 07:31 AM

It can probably stay in for now. What size do you have? If it's the small 6.5" or 7" one it won't be good for her to be running on it all the time as they are on the small side for a Russian, I even find them a bit small for robos. If it's the larger one it'll be taking up a huge amount of room though which is a waste of space. Better to try and get her more used to the normal wheel really.

Pebbles82 · 12-30-2018, 09:35 AM

It needs to be the 12" one or none at all

I would leave both in -our robo uses his saucer mostly but likes a bit of variety now and then and sometimes uses his wheel instead.

cypher · 12-30-2018, 10:26 AM

I used the smaller one with mine when I did use them, can't remember the exact size but I wouldn't say a Russian needed a 12" saucer.

alpacassei · 12-30-2018, 12:41 PM

The 6.5” saucer will be fine unless you have a particularly big Russian

Some Russian hamsters prefer saucers over upright wheels, especially if that’s what they had in the pet shop. As long as she can run straight, it’s not an issue if she only uses the saucer.

buttercuplols · 12-30-2018, 01:27 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it!

She has a junior Wodent Wheek and a 6.5/7" saucer from P@H (can't remember but it's the medium one - Small 'n' Furry brand or something like that).

She is a Russian dwarf - soon to have her very own thread - at around 11 weeks now and very small. In the shop she had that ridiculously small mouse size saucer (not sure I'd even use it for them!) so she has upgraded on both fronts big time!

I think I'm going to leave it in for a bit longer and play it by ear. She has the option of both at least. I'm probably being paranoid!

I have a few more upcoming annoying noob questions in the next couple of days I reckon so I'll thank you kindly in advance now if you don't mind

I really am very grateful! I'm so glad I found this forum!!!!