Wheel advice for Syrians?

[Gust0o]

Continuing my trend of asking all-manner of questions, I could now do with some wheel advice.

Traditionally, we've just used larger - generic - wheels, which attach to a wire cage, for Bob.

However, she's soon to be moving to a Gabber Rex - which has an existing spindle, albeit a poor wheel; or, more likely, a free-standing one.

So, what should I look for? I hear a lot about the Wodent Wheels - but how are they versus the Silent Spinners?

What size is ideal for a Syrian? Is 6.5" diameter too small?

I need your opinions Syrian-owners!

Unforunately, I think it's one of the best habits you can have in life, asking questions, so I don't think this will be the last :)

[Holly]

Unfortunately 6.5cm silent spinners are too small for adult Syrians - I'd go with Wodent Wheels, personally, all the way. They are sized perfectly (Junior size) for most Syrians and they are as quiet as you can get - I peg mine onto the Gabber Rex shelves for maximum quiet :wink:

I find wheels that sit on the Gabber shelf spindle quite rattly - you could try a Savic Jumbo Rolly from P@H but they are too noisy for me.

[Gust0o]

Just to make things awkward, Alex has just reminded me - Bob is a little claustrophobic.

Sounds bizarre I know - how enclosed are the Wodent Wheelies? Are they open-faced?

If not, what's the best alternative?

Sorry, Holly! :oops:

[Holly]

No problem - I can talk about hamsters all night :wink:

Wodent wheels aren't open - however I've yet to find a hamster that doesn't love them (sadly some of mine love them too much as I'd like them to grow into chunky show hams and they run off all their food :roll: ).

If you really want an open wheel the only options I know of that are big enough for an adult Syrian are the Savic wheels I mentioned ( they are actually rat wheels) or Comfort Wheels - no idea where yo get those though, I always use wodents.

[Gust0o]

You reviewed the Gabber, so I'll take your expert opinion (plus it's good to meet someone who can talk hamsters all night)!

I saw, in the review, that all your wheels are Wodents - and I'm guessing they fit perfectly fine into the Gabber?

I keep hearing bad things about that spindle - and it doesn't look like there's a massive amount of space for a new wheel in that opening.

I could risk getting a Wodent - and see if Hobbs will have it if Bob panics. Where do I get one, and how much should I look to pay?

This is all very appreciated Holly!

[Gust0o]

£8.99, EquineCanineFeline, looks like the best bet - £2 shipping.

Ebay eat your heart out.

I can only find good things about this, from searching Google - guess that will be settling it.

[Hanlou]

£8.99, EquineCanineFeline, looks like the best bet - £2 shipping.

Ebay eat your heart out.

I can only find good things about this, from searching Google - guess that will be settling it.

If you use Equinecaninefeline, type in FANCYRATS at the checkout in the code box and you'll get 10% off your entire order..... even better! :D

[Gust0o]

I could get used to this! :)

[Spuds Mum]

Or if you can wait a short while I am sure Holly will be putting in an order soon!

She has a contact with the American supplier and orders wholesale cost vary depending on the exchange rate but are (I think - Holly will correct me if I am wrong) around about £6.50 and she will then post them for an extra cost. Or arrange to pick it up from a show that Holly can get to?

As I say, I dont know when she will be doing another orde, but she does order regularly (just type in wodent wheel in the forum search to see how she does it etc.)

[Basia]

All my hamsters had wodent wheels and I would second everything Holly said, they are quiet, large and the hamsters love them.
I have started not giving them to my babies though because they love them a bit too much. I found some large Ferplast wheels on plastic stands which are *almost* as quiet as wodents but the hamsters don't seem to get as obsessed with them. Peaches is running on one in her introduction thread. I have also recently given one to Berry because she has a habit of weeing in her WW and as she has been having some skin problems I thought it might help to have her in an open wheel for a while.
I have had most of my wheels via Holly but did order a couple from EquineCanineFeline and have been very pleased with them.

[Holly]

I'm just waiting for the current batch to arrive (hopefully any day now as I need several of them for Highworth :shock: ) and then I'll do another order - might as well be immediately as I've already had a couple of people ask me and I need a couple of new ones for my spare cages.

They'll be about £6.40 each plus an extra £1.89 if you need it posting to you within the UK so a bit cheaper than EquineCanineFeline (and you can choose your colour too!) BUT it will be a while before you have it - realistically it will be a couple of weeks before the order goes in and then another couple of weeks for it to arrive.

[Gust0o]

As luck, a friend has a spare one - so I've arranged to borrow it, to see how Bob reacts.

If all goes according to plan, I'll be in touch Holly.

Thanks for all your help, chaps! :)