ratchets thread

[CMB]

Removing the too small wheel completely could cause other issues like bar chewing though.
Hope the bigger wheel is accepted and enjoyed. It could be because it is unfamiliar and doesn't have the hamsters scent on it.

How about having both wheels in the cage. The bigger wheel may not spin as easily or be noisy, which could put the hamster off using it.

[AmityvilleHams]

I'd be a lot more worried about a broken back than bar chewing.One can be worked with and most likely stopped,the other would have next to nothing you can really do about it.

[CMB]

[QUOTE=AmityvilleHams;847120]I'd be a lot more worried about a broken back than bar chewing.One can be worked with and most likely stopped,the other would have next to nothing you can really do about it.[/QUOTE

Over exaggerating again amity. The back won't break from using the wheel. It may become painful after using the wheel or possibly become deformed but definitely won't break.

[Hamsterita]

I think that having both wheels in the cage til the hamster gets used to the new one is a good idea.

You could also try to use the new one in the play area first, and then inside the cage.

Anyway I'll try to make him loose the habit of use the small one because it looks really small for him, and as said above it could case back pain and/or arched back.

[jency]

the bigger wheel is being used now but its still too small i think. ratchets not nervous but if those wheels are ok i shall get him one as soon as i get paid.
have removed the small wheel

[AmityvilleHams]

Is it at least a size that won't bend his back?That's the biggest problem with the small wheel so as long as it can work temporarily that will be great.

Even for hamsters that aren't nervous Silent Runners are excellent!They're currently the best wheel on the market,and unless some company somehow finds a way to make an even better wheel(pretty much impossible,unless given a wider size range including slightly smaller for small dwarf species and significantly larger to allow a good wheel for even bigger animals such as large rats going with wheels between 16 and 20 inches).

[Hamsterita]

To know if the wheel is ok or not you need to pay attention when he runs in it. If he has his back arched then you need a bigger one. If he can run straight then it should be ok. Usually syrian need at least a 20 cm wheel, and a lot of them even a 28 cm wheel. It depends of his size.

[jency]

have checked and the wheel that came with the cage is 20cm and he doesnt arch his back. he has moved into the maze, one section is his bedroom, one his food store, another his bathroom.
someone came today to meet my foster dog and was shocked by his cage she thought i had a guinea pig.

[Thin Lizzy]

Ratchet is gorgeous, great cage.

[jency]

have noticed he is more confident in this cage he even lets me stroke him.