Content
- Your hamster is old
- the size of the wheel
- the wheel design
- a noisy wheel
- Doesn't like to exercise
- The wheel is not the only option
One of the favorite activities of hamsters is, without a doubt, using the wheel. This keeps us active not only physically, but also mentally, being an excellent exercise to stimulate the good health of this little rodent. However, some hamsters stop running on their wheel from one moment to the next, and others have always avoided them. In this case, the question arises about why doesn't my hamster use the wheel. While the rest of the behaviors seem to be normal around their environment. Keep reading and find out the possible reason in this PeritoAnimal article.
Your hamster is old
You took such good care of your pet that it reached a mature age. And going through this door represents the same changes for hamsters as it does for humans. With the arrival of old age come the physical problems.
Your pet is no longer as active as before, nor is it in the same physical condition. For example, arthritis is a very typical illness in older hamsters. Which means that if your pet has this disease in one of its joints, it could be uncomfortable and even painful run on the wheel.
If your hamster is old and has stopped using the wheel, it is best to take him to the vet to rule out possible old age diseases such as arthritis and recommend a diet that will keep him away from possible obesity.
the size of the wheel
One of the most common reasons hamsters stop using wheels is because they grew up and they become smalls. It is uncomfortable for them and in some cases even painful because they have to arch their backs too much to perform any movement, so they avoid them at all costs. It is important that when your pet uses the wheel, its back is completely straight, if they arch, it can cause serious back problems.
If your hamster is very active and this happens, a solution would be to purchase a new wheel suitable for its size. The best choose the largest for the species of your hamster, especially when the animal is small and doesn't know how much it can grow (it will be safer to have a big wheel than one that gets small). The other solution would be to take him to play in a controlled garden where he can exercise.
the wheel design
Maybe your hamster doesn't exactly like this wheel you bought for him (yes, animals do too), it could be that the wheel doesn't turn in the way you like best or the material seems uncomfortable. For example, the bar wheel may present problems with the claws and increase the possibility of your pet move or break some of the ends, and you may not be able to move it either, so sooner or later you will stop trying to run on it.
The ideas that hamsters like best are plastic or wooden ones that have a solid soil. If in your case you have a wheel made of bars, a homemade solution that you can apply is to glue a rough cardboard all over the wheel, so that it is smooth but not slippery. If you can, you can try to buy some wheels of different designs, this way your hamster will keep himself more entertained. Remember to cut your pet's claws well so you don't get in the way of the wheel.
a noisy wheel
One of the least common reasons, but which can happen, is that the wheel is too noisy each time it is activated. You must first make sure that runs smoothly and without running over, and that it doesn't make noise, because for some hamsters it can be quite unpleasant, especially if they are nervous.
Try to apply a few drops of olive oil to see if it stops making noise, if that doesn't work you have to change to a quieter wheel.
Doesn't like to exercise
Perhaps your hamster is not exercise fanatic. This happens in many cases and even more if the animal is old, as it is tired all day and prefers to sleep and eat.
This is not strange, in fact, there are many cases where the hamster barely touches your wheel. Try to decipher your pet's character, remember that not all hamsters have the same personality, some are more active, others more sedentary.
The wheel is not the only option
It doesn't matter if you have the best design, be the quietest and most comfortable wheel in the world.Perhaps the wheel is simply not to your hamster's liking, it may not be related to the specific wheel you bought, but to all of them. If this is the case, don't insist that he use it, try other options like game trees or towers.
On the other hand, there are hamsters that prefer a more organic exercise, ie, roam freely around the house, going up and down stairs, running in bed and jumping pillows. Let your pet try it in your own home, keep your attention on it, as it is small it can go unnoticed.
