Hamster Wheel Issues - HELP ASAP! CAN'T SLEEP!

[Imogen]

Originally Posted by sushi_78

The Silent Runner is easy to clean but sometimes you need to take it apart completely as urine can collect in the bit where the running track slots into the front. As it's plastic and metal it's all washable though. If it's put together properly there isn't a gap.

I like the idea plastic is washable, but I honestly cannot afford a silent runner to save my life at the moment. Maybe if the trixie wooden one doesn't work out I'll return for a refund and invest into the silent runner if need be.

[LunaTheHamster1]

Originally Posted by Imogen

I like the idea plastic is washable, but I honestly cannot afford a silent runner to save my life at the moment. Maybe if the trixie wooden one doesn't work out I'll return for a refund and invest into the silent runner if need be.

Oh yes, I totally get that, not trying to force you into buying something you can't afford, I was just trying to answer your questions

[Imogen]

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

Oh yes, I totally get that, not trying to force you into buying something you can't afford, I was just trying to answer your questions

It's fine! Sorry if I came off sounding like you was trying to force me haha, I didn't intend to! Thank you so much for all your help, it means so much!

[LunaTheHamster1]

Originally Posted by Imogen

It's fine! Sorry if I came off sounding like you was trying to force me haha, I didn't intend to! Thank you so much for all your help, it means so much!

Oh no, I just didn't want you thinking I was being pushy

[sushi_78]

The wooden Trixie wheel is really good even if it is cheaper. The Silent Runner is good quality but a certain amount of the higher price is related to the fact that it's imported from the US in smallish quantities whereas the Trixie wheels are mass-produced and mass-imported so they can be priced lower.

[Imogen]

Originally Posted by sushi_78

The wooden Trixie wheel is really good even if it is cheaper. The Silent Runner is good quality but a certain amount of the higher price is related to the fact that it's imported from the US in smallish quantities whereas the Trixie wheels are mass-produced and mass-imported so they can be priced lower.

I'm curious as well.
I've bought the Plasti stuff and the wheel, if my hamster does start nibbling the wheel is there a way to discourage them or no? I don't mind if they do it, it is wood after all but I would like to try and have the wheel as long as I possibly can to reduce the amount of spending. (which I know sounds dumb since a plastic wheel should've been the go to thing but I really liked the expense and the silent sound of the wooden TRIXIE wheel and was a good size for my Syrian at the budget it was)...

I know it says to sand it off or replace if there's any splintering from chewing etc.

My hamster doesn't really like to nibble his wooden toys anyway, it's such a pain to get him to start nibbling his wooden stuff which he's been doing slightly lately so it might be okay for awhile. Would the Plasti stuff discourage him or?

[sushi_78]

The plastikote probably won't discourage chewing but if he doesn't chew his toys he's unlikely to chew the wheel. I've never actually heard of a hamster completely destroying their wheel so it's probably quite rare.

[sushi_78]

By the way, it's not at all a problem if he doesn't chew his wooden things. Most hamsters don't but just eating their food usually wears down their teeth enough. You can also try giving him a whimzee dog chew as most hamsters like to chew those.

Pet shops tend to promote the idea that hamsters need to be constantly chewing wood to keep their teeth short but it's not true at all.

[Pebbles82]

I haven't heard of hamsters chewing the wood wheel really. Ours hasn't - they are more keen on running in it! The Trixie and Silent Runner are two of the best wheels you can get and both are totally silent. If you hear anything at all from the trixie it might be a slight quiet swishing noise as it spins. Hardly noticeable. It's very popular.

[Pebbles82]

When is your wood trixie wheel arriving? I think delivery from Amazon is much quicker than from Zooplus although it may cost a little bit more on Amazon. My only thoughts about removing the wheel before the replacement arrives is - your hamster may well go stir crazy snd start bar chewing and pestering to be out (there is nothing worse than the sound of bar chewing).

Totally understand that sleep deprivation is hell. It may be a bit off beat but could you sleep somewhere else for a couple of nights - eg in someone else’s room on a camp bed or on the sofa. Or - ear plugs do work! I had to use them once when working nights and trying to sleep during the day.

There is also the faff of having to paint the truxie wheel delaying things although it literally only takes 10 minutes to paint and a first coat would be dry a few hours later. Under the circumstances I would just do one coat (you can always do another coat in future after wiping the wheel eg).

It is quite stressful I know. I had a wheel break on me and couldn’t get another one for a few days. Hamster going bananas and bar chewing. So I got a 12” flying saucer be t day delivery from Amazon to tide things over till the wheel arrived. Would that be an option?

It was this one

Trixie Running Plastic Disc, 30 cm: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

It’s not good for long term use - they do better with an upright wheel so they can run properly - but I used it in a playpen afterwards and it’s a good short term wheel substitute. It’s not noisy at all - virtually silent apart from the patter of feet.