Fluffy still seems to prefer flying saucer

[sushi_78]

I give dwarf hamsters a flying saucer in addition to an upright wheel and it doesn't seem to have done them any harm either.

It is possible for a hamster to run straight on a flying saucer. Sometimes they run slightly crooked but that can only do harm if it's happening regularly for a long time.

I think it's best to look at how your hamster runs, what position their back is in, and consider how much time they're running in that position, to decide whether you want to keep the flying saucer in.

[AmityvilleHams]

It's also entirely possible for animals in general to become obsessed with certain things or use them even if they're unsuitable. Pets honestly don't always know what's really best for them, and hamsters are no exception.

It often is up to humans to keep things safe and truly suitable for the animals we care for. Keep the flying saucer out of the cage entirely for your hamster's own good. I know it can feel bad now but it really is important for all hamsters that are physically able to use a wheel to be using a proper upright one.

ETA - the OP's hamster was exclusively running on a flying saucer, essentially trying to use it as a main wheel which is unsuitable for the reasons I've already mentioned in this thread.

[Fluffy_Unicorn]

He is a small hamster, he seems to run straight on it. I am not awake all night to watch him but most of the time when he is running he is on the saucer. It's been out of the cage for a couple of days so he has been using the upright one, but I don't think he's been running as much as usual. I have given him the saucer back but I will continue to monitor him and hopefully he uses both wheels.

[Pebbles82]

Flying saucers are absolutely fine for dwarf hamsters and our robo loved both his upright wheel and his flying saucer. It's Syrians who shouldn't use them all the time ideally. As they don't always run straight on them. Dwarf hamsters are much smaller and running straight isn't an issue.

I would leave a wheel and the saucer in his cage - let him enjoy both. Whichever upright wheel he prefers in the cage. 20cm is plenty big enough.

[Pebbles82]

Give him the flying saucer back if he loves it! I bet he uses both at night anyway.

[Fluffy_Unicorn]

Yeah thanks serendipity. He has the flying saucer and the 20cm wheel now.