Wheel Vs Flying Saucer ?

GreySyrian · 12-13-2015, 10:31 AM

I understand exercise is a very big factor of a hamsters well being, her current cage came with a wheel but I chose to remove this as it's squeaking was horrendous and she stays in my bedroom.

As a replacement she now has a flying saucer which she uses a lot, I often fall asleep listening to her on it! But is this an ok replacement ? Or is a wheel still a better option ?

Hammy_ · 12-13-2015, 10:40 AM

Personally I like to always have a standard wheel in the cage whether or not a flying saucer accompanies it. I mean I'm not quite sure, but I'm guessing it's ok as long as your ham is still using it as getting the same enjoyment out of it as if it were a regular wheel. Hope this helped x

GreySyrian · 12-13-2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammy_

Personally I like to always have a standard wheel in the cage whether or not a flying saucer accompanies it. I mean I'm not quite sure, but I'm guessing it's ok as long as your ham is still using it as getting the same enjoyment out of it as if it were a regular wheel. Hope this helped x

Thank you

In the long run I'm planning to move her into a bigger cage in which I could get her a wheel but at the same time have read some bad stuff about wheels such as hamsters getting caught in them? Not sure if that's just a long-hair issue though.

Jeir · 12-13-2015, 11:08 AM

My preference is for the Karlie Wonderland Wooden Wheels. I put my pros/cons in this old post, and all my hamsters use them (Syrian has a 29cm unbranded one from Pets at Home, all three dwarfs have branded 20cm ones). I also cover pros/cons of flying saucers in that.

Of course, if your hammy is running on the wheel fine (no curved spine), space isn't an issue, and there has never given any sign of neurological issues, then the saucer should be fine. Not every hamster is the same, and what doesn't work for some can be excellent for others. =)

Hammy_ · 12-13-2015, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreySyrian

Thank you

In the long run I'm planning to move her into a bigger cage in which I could get her a wheel but at the same time have read some bad stuff about wheels such as hamsters getting caught in them? Not sure if that's just a long-hair issue though.

Yes some long haired Syrians have been known to get their skirts caught in the spindle of wheels which is why the Karlie wonderland wheel is preferred with LH Syrian owners. The only problem here would be it needs varnishing to make it more durable. You can find that here:Wonderland Exercise Wheel: Great Small Pet Accessories at zooplus

What species of hamster do you have btw? If you do not have a LH Syrian or aren't so precarious you could try the Trixie wheel (a personal favourite) it is light weight and the front piece detaches for cleaning. It's great for hams who are yet to master the art of stopping. You can find this here:Small Pet Exercise Wheel | Free P&P on orders

If you like wooden wheels but aren't sure about the varnishing part you could go for this very natural looking wheel. It's not very popular- but hey you could start the trend! I think it looks great you can find it on zooplus again here:Wooden Exercise Wheel Speedy at zooplus

Hammy_ · 12-13-2015, 12:21 PM

Or maybe you could go for Pets @ homes new version of the silent spinner. I have been quite interested in purchasing it just to test it out. Despite the fact it claims it is suitable for Syrian hamsters, it's not,it only comes to 7.3 inches so if you have a Chinese or Dwarf this would be perfect. I suppose it's a little bit risky as I don't know if anyone's tried this out yet but if I decide to buy it I will tell you my verdict.
The 7.3 inch: http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...e-wheel-medium

And here is the 6inch: Small Animal Silent Exercise Wheel Small | Pets At Home

GreySyrian · 12-13-2015, 01:37 PM

Thank you for all the links Hammy_ ! I have a SH syrian. Will check out the wheels you recommended and keep note of them! Hopefully my hamster will be enjoying a wheel soon!

racinghamster · 12-14-2015, 08:36 AM

GreySyrian. I would go with an upright wheel every time just because it`s a more natural way for a hamster to move forward. The wooden Wonderland wheels have a very good reputation for being long lasting and more importantly, silent! They do need a few coatings of Plastikote craft paint to make the surface more easy clean, but this apparently dries quickly anyway. They sometimes require a light sanding on the running surface just to check the wheel for any chewed bits or splinters, but if you do this, the wheel should do you well. Zooplus sometimes have them on offer, so check out their prices and if you spend £15 or more, postage is £2.99p with a choice of three couriers (I always opt for DPD) or free if you spend over £29. so worth checking out.

The plastic wheels out there are all a bit dodgy when it comes to noise levels. The older Silent Spinners were the best, but the design has changed and they have not had good feedback recently, so be wary and give them a spin before you pay for them if you can. Pets At Home sell a large wooden wheel very like the Karlie Wonderland. I think they sell it for Degus, but it would suit an adult Syrian. x