Sonic used the wheel the moment I put it in. Its one I made myself, since I have no money. I used a ice cream pail, then cut the curled edge off, the filed it down, then I put electricitians tape around it. For grip I used some masking tape and some elastic bandage patch work around the wheel. (I'll get a picture if any one is interested.) I drilled a hole through the center then put a round head screw, and used a small rubberband around the screw so it doesn't make any noise. For the holder I used a clothes hanger (wood). Yeah its cheap but right now staying in the black is good news for me... While building it I looked at many things that could hurt my hedgehog and did some research on some materials that would be cheap but effective, I was just wondering if the wheel can sufice for the time being, it took me about 5hrs to make, and cost $8(canadian). I will try to post some pictures in a bit.
home made wheel... is it safe?
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Sounds like your own version of the homemade bucket wheel. I would watch for the tape on the rim coming off while you are cleaning or your hedgehog is running, I wouldn't want him to decide it's something to chew/eat and get sick from the glue. If it's thoroughly stuck and you keep an eye on it for signs that it might fall off then I think the wheel will be fine.
Well I could tell you how I made it if you really want to, or I could make you one. Though I do admit the edge won't be flush... I used a box cutter to cut the pail, no fancy tools. A band saw would be nice but I don't have one, nor can I afford one. I was thinking if I were to make it to sell $8 seems reasonable. Though I don't know right now.
An ice cream pail probably is not going to last long. The plastic is too thin and will start to loose it's shape and possibly even start to crack. Any type of tape on the running surface or the edge is risky as it can loosen and gives a place for a nail to get caught. Be careful using tape and make sure you replace it often so it stays well attached. 
Yeah, I noticed it doesn't last long. I am trying some other methods that are better at the moment, though it may be a while before I will sell it, I want to make it easy to mantain as well, as being sturdy. I am working on another wheel simular design though I am doing 2 things different. First off the pail is heavier and instead of tape I am trying out a plasic table banding (from work) I washed all the stock I have 4 times, making sure that its clean since its been in storage for a long period of time, though the only problem I have right now is finding a glue that's hedgie safe... Any pointers any one?
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I like the idea of being able to use an ice cream bucket but to me they are much to flimsy and flex at the slightest weight. Even with reinforcements the bottom (which is where the bearings/other are connected) are still weak. For baby hedgies I think it would work well, but larger, more heavy hedgies would need something more sturdy, larger, and durable.
The weight bearing capabilities is the main concern with mine, though right now I am trying out a much stronger form of bucket. The ice cream pail was only supposed to be temporary any ways, I guess you can say I am trying to make one that is better then my previous one now, something more permanent. The only problem with the pails is that they make them a bit too tall for my current cage, so I have to cut it and cover the edge. I am trying to make it easy to maintain, and hopefully silent as well, but yet still affordable so everyone can afford it.
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