Is a running wheel a necessity?

[Aising]

I guess it depends on the individual hamster?

I adopted my new Syrian this week and ever since she's arrived she hasn't used her wheel once that I've seen or heard. It's a wooden 12" wheel, pictured here.

She came with this wheel and also a very large flying saucer. The flying saucer won't fit in her cage so I put it in a playpen and she did use it a little. Maybe she just prefers the flying saucer?

The reason I'm asking is that she is in a Savic Hamster Heaven Metro cage and space is at a premium. Just if she's not gone on the wheel I'd rather use the space to give her other toys.

Alternatively I have a Wodent Wheel that would fit, from when I owned rats. Worth trying to see if she prefers that?

Thank you!

[velma]

I feel you should provide a wheel in most circumstances but there are always exceptions (my elderly Syrian Cleo stopped using a wheel in her old age for example). However, in this case, you haven't had your ham vey long & she's still settling in so they can take a while to figure everything out and feel settled and comfortable. My last robo Hector took a week to discover his wheel after I adopted him. I'd keep a wheel in if it was me. Size of wheel depends on the size of your hamster, just try & make sure they can run with a straight back.

[AprilPearl]

Perhaps she is using the wheel during the night when you aren't there? Could you try tempting her onto the wheel with food?

Upright wheels are best and usually are preferred by Syrians in particular. However, sometimes a hamster will like flying saucers more. Leave the upright wheel in for a while as Velma says. If she never ends up using it, then it's better for her to have a flying saucer than nothing.

[Pebbles82]

I think, yes, they do need a wheel - and I think that's the general consensus. As Velma says your hammy is settling in, and even if it's the same old wheel it's in a new environment and everything feels strange. Did you clean the wheel recently? Our last Syrian wouldn't go near his wheel if I'd just cleaned it - he avoided it for a week once. I had a tip on here to put a couple of treats in it, and that did the trick and he was wheeling again. To check if your ham is using it at night try putting a bit of substrate or a small piece of toilet paper on top of the wheel when you go to bed, and see if it's gone in the morning.

Is the wodent wheel a 27cm (11") one? Because if so they do fit well in the hamster heaven and take up less space - especially if you hang it upside down from the top bars (and secure with 2 or 3 cable ties). That way the wheel is at a good height, stable and more floorspace/substrate under it.

[Aising]

Thanks all. Appreciate I am rushing things when she is trying to find her feet. Hopefully she will use the wheel soon.

[Aising]

She is using the wheel in her cage tonight and the flying saucer in her playpen. I just needed to be patient and let her settle in. Thank you.