How do I make hamsters run in their wheels?
First and foremost you have to have the correct size wheel for the correct size hamster!Dwarf hamsters. Up to 12cm in diameterSmaller Syrian Babies up to 12–18 cm in diameterAdult Syrians up to 28cm in diameterIt is for the big Syrians that is important that the wheel is large enough to accommodate the free ranges og movements of the hamster, as is so for all hamster species! But most of all take a good size wheel so the hamsters back is not bent backwards in it, as this will be extremely painful in the long run.Then if you have the correct size wheel., it shouldn’t be long before your hamster will freely run in the wheel, with exception of the few that never feel comfortable in anything!! These hamsters just don’t want to run around and if they don’t show any ill signs of lack of exercise, no reason to force the issue!!
My hamster wont get off his wheel!?
Actually, you should never use those wire/mesh wheels. They are dangerous as they pose a risk of limbs getting caught between the wires as the hamster runs. The super pet wheel is all solid plastic, which is really the safest type of a wheel to use. I remember that super pet wheel being very deep. So it's possible your hamster had trouble climbing in and out. Then again, it is also likely that he is just spending a lot of time in there running, but might use it as a nest because it is so deep and safe feeling. As for it smelling bad, that is only because you need to clean it regularly. Never let it build up with pee and poo. Wipe is every few days, if not daily to keep it clean, and no odor will exist. If I were you, I would buy another solid plastic wheel that perhaps isn't as deep as the one you had, so the hamster can easily get out of it. But if you use the mesh wheel, but be careful and keep checking the hamster's feet.
Hamster biting wheel?
Bar-biting is very common and would only rarely signal any sort of problem. It is a very hard problem to stop becasue making loud noises will scare the hamster and he will start up again a little while later. Sadly, there is no true way to break them of the habit. If it's not an acute behavior change, I let the ones that like it enjoy the noise (they like making noise!) and the exercise, while trying to provide more comfortable alternatives. Some hams bite the bars because they're there. It doesn't mean they're not happy in their homes. Chewing of the bars can damage teeth as well as the rest of the mouth so if she is an avid chewer, you may have to get her a new cage. I have never noticed damage but just the same, if it wories or disturbs you, you may want a new cage. Some get interested in wood chews if you rub their favorite food on it to flavor it. Carrots and apples work well, or even a very thin schmear of peanut butter -- but not thick enough to scoop up and pouch. Many of mine like a lab block wedged between the bars where they like to chew. A dog biscuit works too. I guess they like the challenge. The Syrians like the cornstarch-based Booda and vegetable-based Nylabones. Does hamster have a nice solid based wheel and does she use it? Do you bring hamster out of her cage for plenty playtime? She wants something, hence all the chewing of the cage bars? Some hamsters will not be swayed and will carry on chewing the bars no matter what we do but I do believe this needs to be stopped if you are bothered. Changing the cage to a glass or plastic type cage or tank would be a good idea if she starts to her herself or she doesn't stop. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Why wont my hamster run on his wheel?
You have to give him/her time. She/he wont really know what it is until she/he tries it. And trust me once a hamster is on a wheel, it wont get off! LOL
Is it normal for my hamster to sleep in his wheel?
Hi, Not to worry, this perfectly fine. Don't listen to the person who said he has a "stress disorder". There is nothing wrong with your hamster choosing to rest on the wheel. Mine does this from time to time. Most hamsters will enjoy a hiding house like the igloo and edible hamster house that you have for him, but sometimes they like to sleep somewhere different. Mine usually slept in his igloo, or sometimes burrowed in the corner, but has been sleeping behind his wheel a lot now. But, like I said, he has slept ON his wheel before, like yours. Also, you don't even have to take it out like someone else suggested. If he likes to sleep there, let him. It is not unhealthy in any way. So, no worries, they like to change it up. It is good that he is provided with multiple options, and it is great that you have given him a big home. It sounds to be like your Robo is perfectly happy and healthy. Hope this helps! •∑Amanda∑•
Why does my hamster not run in his wheel ?
A few suggestions 1. Your hamster doesn't know how a wheel works - I don't know about you, but the cages in the pet shop where i buy my hamsters don't have wheels in them and so my newly born hamster had to figure out how to use it. If this is the case, try drawing your hamsters attention to the wheel by putting him in it and making him walk by holding a tasty treat above his head. 2. Your hamster may already use his wheel - hamsters are nocturnal and generally use their wheels at night and unless you are nocturnal as well you would be asleep and not see your hamster using it? 3. Your hamster may not want to use it - my hamster didn't start using his wheel until about 3 weeks after i bought him. Your hamster may just be settling into his new home? 4. I hope i am completely wrong but your hamster could be ill or lethargic. This can sometimes happen with newly bought hamsters, it happened to me once (i bought a hamster with wet tail!!) but anyway, your hamster could be lethargic, this means that its not really used to exercise because its been trapped without space and stuff. (your hamster cage probs has loads of space), but if its been trapped with all its other hamster brothers and sisters then it may just not be used to running around and it should perk up, chances are your hamster is absolutely fine!! Hope i helped!! x Enjoy your hammy
What may be the hamsters goal when on the wheel?
To run.
Hamster stopped using wheel?
Our hamster has stopped using his wheel over the past couple of months. He used to use it all the time. I don't think he is unwell because he is still quite active otherwise. He runs about his cage and jumps into his ball as soon as I hold it up to his door and rolls around happily in it. There has also been no change in his eating and drinking habits. The only change has been the use of the wheel. It's a shame he doesn't use it because he seemed to enjoy it so much before, it was fun for my daughter to watch and it kept him fit! Any ideas?
Why dose my hamster sleep under its wheel?
Maybe he just feels safest under there. Do you have anywhere for him to hide? Like a little house or one of those plastic castles they have? We use those at the store I work in and the hamsters love them. Some of them also sleep behind the wheel. :]