Does an older hamster really need a wheel?

[HollyHamster]

Holly, my dove Syrain doesn't ever use her wheel anymore. It just sits there, and being a 12 inch one, takes up quite a bit of space in the 30 gallon tank I use as her cage.

I didn't know if it was better to have it out and leave some more space for Holly to wander about in or not, so I took the liberty of removing it. Based on her activity level, and advanced age (nearly 2 years old now), I decided it wasn't really that necessary anymore.

Was it a good call?

[Sanctuary]

I would say leave it in, does she go on at all ever?

[HollyHamster]

Nope. Not even to sit in it. She just ignores it like some big pink elephant in the room.

[kyrilliondaemon]

I think you did the right thing, sometimes elderly hams do benefit from changes - including removal of wheels/shelves. If she's not using it then there's no need for it to be there if she'd enjoy herself more without it for some reason (like having more space or a more elderly-friendly toy)

[Sanctuary]

I agree then if she does not even touch it then taking it out was the best idea. xx

[Gazmo]

yeah, it will give her more room