New Silent Runner wheel in Uk

Pebbles82 · 01-07-2016, 02:40 AM

The new Silent Runner wheel from Exotic Nutrition in the US is now available in the Uk from the Sugarglider site. They are only stocking the 12" one and have stopped stocking Wodent wheels (or at least they are out of stock). They reckon the new Silent Runner has taken the US by storm so they are importing it. Whilst Wodent wheels are safe for hamsters apparently there have been some safety issues for sugargliders with the Wodent wheel and the gap between the wheel and stand at the back and issues with the axle. The Silent runner is axle free. Supposed to be approved by vets and "made to the highest standards in the industry".

The Silent Runner is supposed to be silent and has a solid fixed stand. Unfortunately they are only stocking the 12" one (there's a 9" one available in the US as well which is a good size for smaller Syrians as bigger than an 8"), but having said that, the 12" seems a much better size than either the 12" Wobust wheel or the 12" Kaytee Silent Spinner, because it is a more sensible depth at just under 9cm deep instead of the 13cm depth of the Wobust and Kaytee Silent Spinner. I am tempted! Our Wobust wheel takes up a lot of space in the cage. The one thing I can't find is the height, but it doesn't look any taller than the 12" silent spinner which is about 33cm tall. The diameter is 12" and the depth 3.5" (ie 9cm). Apparently there is also a deeper 12" wheel available as well for rats and larger pets.

9cm deep makes it the same depth as the Karlie Wonderland Wood wheel. Whether 12" is internal or external diameter I'm not sure but it sounds like a good option if the 27cm wodent isn't big enough or deep enough and you don't want a wood wheel like the Karlie and also sounds like a good option for long haired syrians as no axle.

There's also a bar attachment kit available, to use instead of the stand, but as the wheel is so tall I'm not sure how well this would work in most cages due to the height of the wheel and the sloping base of cages. For example in our cage, which is 36cm high inside, I only have a couple of centimetres spare top and bottom with a 12" wheel and so the wheel has to sit further forward in the cage to avoid rubbing against the base where it slopes in. So it would need quite a tall cage for bar attachment (and could possibly bend the bars too!). The stand looks nice and sturdy though and there looks to be a reasonable gap under the wheel for substrate.

Here is the information about the Silent Runner wheels

Information About Silent Runner Wheels: - Silent Runner Wheels

There are more photos and assembly instructions here

Silent Runner 12 inch - Silent Runner Wheel 12 inch

And here is the purchase link on the sugarglider site

Silent Runner 12"

Pebbles82 · 01-07-2016, 02:49 PM

I emailed the sugarglider shop to ask how high it is, and it's 35cm tall. A couple of centimetres taller than the 12" silent spinner and the 12" wobust wheel.

velma · 01-07-2016, 03:57 PM

It look kind of funky but it's huge! So tall!

**DrKMcK** · 01-08-2016, 12:26 AM

I just watched the video. I like that it has no spindle, and it attaches easily to the side of a cage. The fact that it comes in 3 sizes is good too. I love my Carolina's but it's great to have other options too.
Thanks for the heads up Serendipity.

Jen250 · 01-08-2016, 05:39 AM

Are you going to get one to add to your collection?

Pebbles82 · 01-08-2016, 08:23 AM

He he he! If I wasn't so busy I would! Not much of a collection - I just have the Wobust wheel and the Karlie Wonderland wheel. TBH I don't really need this one now I have the Wobust hung from the top of the cage, but it would give a bit more substrate underneath the wheel - a centimetre maybe! I could also put the Karlie wheel in the cage. I think for Uk members, the Karlie wheel is a good option because it's not 'quite' so tall (about 3cm shorter), still has a good size 29cm diameter and is fairly stable in the cage. On the other hand there is that plastikoting pain.

It would be a good wheel for a Barney cage though! As it is that bit taller (43cm internally so a good 8cm clearance). Because the Wobust is tricker to hang upside down in the Barney due to the large top door in the centre. Means you could have a 12" wheel and put it where you want. But then the Karlie is almost a 12" wheel and you can put that where you want too. I do like the idea that there is a non-wood, free-standing option, rather than just the Karlie though (I don't count the Wobust as free-standing - it moves around and judders and I found the stand on the back a bit of a risk when it was free-standing).

So I think it's a great alternative to a 12" Silent Spinner or 12" Wobust wheel for larger hamsters - because it is less deep than those two wheels by almost 2", but deeper than the standard wodent and trixie wheels. ie the same depth as the Karlie wheel. Plus it has a safe stand at the back and no axle.

Depends what they're like in the flesh I guess. I believe Teddie in the US has ordered the 9" and 12" ones to test them out so looking forward to hearing more about them.

Put it like this - if I had a Barney cage - or any cage about 43cm high - I would get one. Unless I had a fairly small syrian and then I'd stick with the 27cm wodent wheel. I still think 9" is a bit small for a syrian.

cypher · 02-09-2016, 05:42 AM

They have the 9" size in stock too now, it does look good, easier to clean & safer than any of the other enclosed wheels, I wonder if I can resist buying one...

**Cinnamon Bear** · 02-09-2016, 06:20 AM

I've heard about those wheels in the US but never saw a photo of it till your post. Do you know if it is quiet or if not (like Wodent Wheels can get sqeaky) can they be lubed up with baby oil? Could a robo or RCD hammie move the 9 in as easily as the Wodent Wheel? Thank you if you have the info?

cypher · 02-09-2016, 08:16 AM

Charlie really seems to like his big one & Serendipity hasn't had any problems with it so far I don't think so if the 9" is as good it should be silent, I don't see why you couldn't oil it if you ever needed to.
A robo or russian shouldn't have a problem, it must be much lighter than the wooden wheels which they can use with ease.

flowerfairy · 02-09-2016, 10:10 AM

It says on the website tht they are virtually silent. I would like one to attach to the bars ... quite expensive though but long lasting ...