Small Wheel or no Wheel?

StrawberryZebras · 12-25-2019, 08:12 PM

Hello, I am a very new owner of a female Syrian hamster received as a gift from last Christmas. The hamster came in a Critter Trail cage (I know they're bad) that came with a 5 inch wheel (I know that's too small) that I believe is detachable. When she runs on the wheel, I can see a noticeable curvature of her back, so I am wondering whether a 5-inch-wheel is better than no wheel. Due to my current circumstances, I am not able to purchase a bigger wheel or bigger cage, and I am also not able to create any sort of DIY cage either.
(I understand the circumstance I am in is grim, but I need a straight answer on whether this wheel will do more harm than good.)

LunaTheHamster1 · 12-26-2019, 04:55 AM

I am surprised a Syrian can even fit in a 5 inch wheel. Does she not take up the whole wheel by just being in it? I would suggest it would do more harm than good.
I don't know which country you live in, but do you have anything like freecycle where you can go on and say what items you are looking for, for free, someone out there must have a bigger wheel than 5 inch that you could have.
Also look on 2nd hand websites.
Also are you on any social media, if so could you ask your friends if they have a spare proper sized wheel - i would say ideally 11-12 inches but I am not sure if that would fit in the cage you have.

Ithuviel · 12-26-2019, 05:53 AM

If you live in eastern europe like me hamster care is a big problem. I had to order a 20 cm wheel online because there aren't any in stores....I don't know what to say...maybe take the wheel out? Everything you are saying is bad...i hope you can get some funds soon to get a proper cage and wheel.

LunaTheHamster1 · 12-26-2019, 05:56 AM

I have no idea how long this would last but this is a youtube video on how to make a wheel out of cardboard if that is any good to you as a temporary idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiPDBryZuM

Ria P · 12-26-2019, 05:56 AM

If you are in the UK, a 8.5in wheel from petsathome retails at £5.50. I agree with Luna and would also say that the 5in wheel does more harm than good.

If you are unable to look after your hamster properly and i fully understand that you would want to because you are on this forum seeking advice and showing that you care, then you may have to consider taking her to a hamster rescue.

I sincerely wish you the very best for the New Year and hope that your circumstances will improve soon.

LunaTheHamster1 · 12-26-2019, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

If you are in the UK, a 8.5in wheel from petsathome retails at £5.50. I agree with Luna and would also say that the 5in wheel does more harm than good.

If you are unable to look after your hamster properly and i fully understand that you would want to because you are on this forum seeking advice and showing that you care, then you may have to consider taking her to a hamster rescue.

I sincerely wish you the very best for the New Year and hope that your circumstances will improve soon.

Just trying to understand the situation and advise appropriately so we can help the best we can. It sounds like you may have taken this hamster in from someone else and not been prepared for what it needs?

I have to say I do agree with Ria on this, I appreciate you want to give the hamster the best care it deserves and needs but maybe at this time you are unable to do so. If you can not find any friends/family that are able to rally around and help you with the items you need as a minimum for your hamster, maybe looking into surrendering the hamster to a rescue could be something you could look into. Just concerned if you are unable to provide a correct sized wheel or cage how are you going to afford food and bedding and any potential vet fees. Not having a go at you or the situation you find yourself in, just trying to help.

Ithuviel · 12-26-2019, 06:16 AM

Luna and Ria you are both correct about surrendering the hamster to a rescue. This depends however on the country. Mine doesn't have a rescue you can put it up for free and hope that it doesn't become snake food, specially syrians because they are larger and might make a great meal.

Bottom line is: we need more details.

StrawberryZebras · 12-27-2019, 06:14 PM

I know I'm late to reply to your responses, but thank you for posting them. My circumstances have changed so that I can get the properly sized enclosure and wheel for my hamster.

StrawberryZebras · 12-28-2019, 10:58 PM

Hello again, and thank you for all of the replies. I'm not sure if this is going to make it through as I have already tried replying before. I'm just here to say that the hamster is in a much more suitable condition now as my circumstances have changed. She now lives in a 40 gallon tank, with a 12'' wheel. Here is a picture of her enclosure as of this afternoon.
The enclosure is still a work in progress, and I plan to deepen the bedding and add more hides in the future, but I'm glad to say that she no longer has to live in that little Critter Trail anymore.

Vierville · 12-29-2019, 04:22 AM

That looks very nice! Little Mochi will like living there and I am really happy that your circumstances improved.

You can make an extra hide out of cardboard too, they love to have a nice spacious dark spot to sleep in so Mochi will really appre iate this. They like to spend time in their hide and to have somewhere to store their hoard of food. A shoeboxwith a hole cut out for entry and the bottom cut out is perfect or you can make a hide by using old cardboard and folding it up to make a hide.

Your tank looks really good!