Flying saucer wheel?

Gerbil · 06-30-2017, 08:00 AM

Hi,

So, I've been told by some that the flying saucer wheel shouldn't be used as the only wheel for a hamster, whilst others say it's fine. Dudley needs his replacing anyway as I bought a size too small so I was just wondering whether the large flying saucer would be alright as his only wheel, or whether I should choose an upright one. I like that the saucer is virtually silent as it's in my room and Duds seems to love it!

Thank you

AmityvilleHams · 06-30-2017, 08:03 AM

The Silent Runner is a silent wheel that stays silent,so being silent isn't really an issue since it can be replicated in a truly appropriate upright wheel(especially the Silent Runner,being the safest on the market which happens to be a very long lasting wheel entirely worth the investment).

Flying saucer wheels will cause side arching,and no matter what have a running surface that could never be guaranteed as an appropriate size(unlike upright wheels which stay the same all the time).Upright wheels also happen to be more space efficient,so you can have more enrichment in the cage unlike with a flying saucer that takes up much more space and therefore allows less enrichment.

cypher · 06-30-2017, 08:05 AM

Upright wheels are better really, I don't think flying saucers are that bad & some hams do fine with them but the running position is a bit strange so it's thought they could possibly hurt their spine using them all the time, I haven't really come across any evidence of that but do prefer to only use them as a secondary wheel in the playpen for example.
One of the other advantages of an upright wheel is that they take up far less space in the cage allowing for a lot more enrichment & other toys.

Gerbil · 06-30-2017, 08:08 AM

Thanks Cyper, he's had a flying saucer since he was in PaH so will he get used to the upright type? I hate to think he'll not use it and stop getting exercise and doing something he seems to enjoy so much...

Drago · 06-30-2017, 08:09 AM

The silent runner, wodent wheel, and Trixie wheel are all upright and silent wheels

It's definitely debated as to whether or not a saucer is appropriate as the only wheel in the cage, but I personally don't recommend it as the only wheel. It simply doesn't allow for natural running and thus is best used as a supplementary wheel. I'd add in a silent runner or the other above mentioned wheels along with your saucer

AmityvilleHams · 06-30-2017, 08:10 AM

Generally a wheel type change isn't that hard.You might have to encourage him to use it(such as putting treats on the wheel or putting him directly onto the wheel,maybe even more than just one time!)but other than that it's really not difficult.

cypher · 06-30-2017, 08:17 AM

Virtually all hams take to an upright wheel without any problems, I've had hams that really enjoyed their saucers but were perfectly happy to use an upright wheel in the cage.

FelicityAnn · 06-30-2017, 09:04 AM

I have the Trixie Wooden Wheel, lined with cork, and it's wonderful. The only sound is her little feet pitter-pattering. (I have the 28cms one for a Syrian)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-Wood.../dp/B008H2VA6G

My first one developed a bad wobble, but the second one is fine. And zooplus refunded me the money on the second one, when I explained the problem. My OH managed to fix the wobble, so now I have one for the bath tub as well

Pebbles82 · 07-01-2017, 05:52 AM

Your hammy will love an upright wheel and take to it like a duck to water I reckon

They do run much better in an upright wheel. Some Syrians never do run "properly" in a saucer and the curved position can be bad for them. It's nice to have as an extra though. The Silent Runner is a great wheel, but it's expensive and the 28cm Trixie wheel is absolutely fine and loved by many hamsters.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-Exer...m+trixie+wheel

Zooplus sell it as well, but charge postage unless you happen to buying something else at the same time (a cage eg) and then the postage on any extras like the wheel, is free.

It will also fit in the Zoozone 2 if you get that

Trixie Small Pet Exercise Wheel | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!

I personally wouldn't use a saucer exclusively either as the long term effects aren't really known and I suspect an older hamster would stop using it if they began to get discomfort from it, whereas our last hamster kept using his upright wheel right up until 2 weeks before he died at a great age.

I also think a saucer is more likely to break quicker than a wheel. I've had two break on me. The cork wheel mentioned is great! And silent. Maybe not the best if a hammy likes to pee in the wheel - some do some don't. But you can paint the wood and cork with plastikote.