Wheel Trouble

[hannahshamster]

So I've had my syrian, Cashew for about three weeks now. He currently has an 8-inch wooden wheel that he runs on a lot and also loves to hide behind.
As he is still only around 14 weeks old I am expecting him to grow a lot within these next months. Therefore I bought him an 11-inch wodent wheel.
When I put it in his enclosure today for the first time, he first ran on it for a few seconds and then went behind it and began trying to tip it over (it is also very lightweight compared to his old wheel, so it was very easy for him to lift). After that, he started squeaking. He squeaked the first two days I got him because he was scared and after he had gotten used to his surroundings it thankfully stopped. Therefore it made me really sad to see him like that again as he sounded really unhappy.
I decided to switch back to his old wheel which he was very content about, but I know that he'll grow out of it soon and I don't know what to do...

[Corbeens]

I would just suggest gradually getting him used to it, maybe in like free roaming time or in a playpen, and then trying it out in his cage once he is used to it. It's probably a little bit upsetting as he's used to the other wheel, but once he sees that it's bigger and more comfortable he will probably come around!

[Pebbles82]

I have had problems with wodent wheels before. I think they can actually get a leg stuck between the wheel and the stand. I prefer them hung upside down and they spin better then as well. Easy to do on a cage with 2 or 3 cable ties. You slot the stand through the top bars so the base is on top of the cage, then attach the wheel to the stand inside the cage. Not so easy to do with a tank. Am assuming you’re in the US as it’s almost impossible to get wodent wheels in the Uk now.

It may be nothing other than him making a fuss about his old wheel disappearing! Bit clearly he preferred it to the wodent wheel. I would try a different wheel personally. The 23” silent runner (not spinner) is a brilliant wheel- spins much better than the wodent wheel, completely silent and has a safe solid sturdy stand. You can also get attachments to mount it to bars. It’s the orange one with the big kidney shaped holes. All our hamsters have enjoyed this wheel as it spins so easily and really well. Alternatively, if you can get it - the 28cm Trixie wood wheel - also silent - which is an open wheel similar to what he is used to. Then you could use the wodent wheel in a playpen area. Some people have the wodent wheel on the base of the cage with a ceramic tile on the base to weigh it down and keep it stable. Problem with that is you have to have very low substrate in the wheel area.

[faeriecoco]

Most syrians are hard to please, so you have to let him get used to it. Keeping the 8 inch could damage his spine if you use it anymore.

[Flossypet]

For a short time you could place both wheels in the cage at the same time. Then he could get use to the new wheel while still having the old one.