[r_k_chic47]

Would it be okay If I had my boyfriend make a metal wheel for my hedgehog? it would be made of steel, and there would be NO sharp edges(and I would line the edge of the wheel with fleece just in case). would this be okay, or would it be too cold on little hedgie feet? or too heavy?

 

[Nancy]

I have a couple of metal wheels. As long as the whole cage environment is warm enough the wheel will be ok. Just make really sure there are no sharp edges and that it has a good coat of pain on it to keep it from rusting. The surface needs to be solid and I wouldn't recommend lining it with fleece. There is too much risk of a nail getting caught in the fleece while running.

 

[r_k_chic47]

I wouldn't be lining the whole inside with fleece, just to cover the outer edge. But if you say not to, I won't. Could I put a piece of duct tape around the edge instead? I just wanna make sure that there's no way he can cut himself on it.

 

[LizardGirl]

I say the duct tape is a good idea, just make sure if you need to you can get it off.

 

[r_k_chic47]

Right, I know. I'm not just gonna load it on there :lol: Just enough to cover the edge.

 

[r_k_chic47]

Also, what could I use to make grips in the wheel? I know metal is pretty slippery. I would make notches in the metal but I'd be afraid they would be sharp and cut his feet.

 

[LizardGirl]

I would definitely say NO to notches, that, as you said, could seriously injure his feet. I think with hedgie's hairless foot pads would provide enough traction, but I can't say for sure.

 

[r_k_chic47]

That's what I had thought, but I wasn't sure. I'll try it out, and if it's too slippery, I'll try to figure something out to give it more traction.

 

[Nancy]

Your boyfriend should be able to make all edges so they aren't sharp. The metal wheels I have the edges are rounded. The metal surface is not that slippery, certainly no different than a bucket wheel.

I wouldn't use duct tape. If it loosens anywhere it could get caught on a foot. Just file the edges so they are rounded and give it a good coat of paint.

Actually I just had a thought. What thickness of metal is he using? The ones you buy are thick enough to round the edges but alot of metal isn't. One of my wheels has an edge that the metal is folded over.

 

[r_k_chic47]

I'm not sure, he didn't tell me. But I'll be sure to ask him. You would suggest thick metal then? Do you have an estimate as to what thickness I should be using?

 

[LizardGirl]

I think she is saying (sorry if I'm wrong) that you can use a thin type and just bend the edge over, so it can't cut his feet. That makes sense...

 

[r_k_chic47]

Yeah, You're probably right. Let's have nancy confirm :lol:

 

[Nancy]

Yep, that's what I'm saying. If the edge is folded over it is perfectly safe. I will try and get a picture tomorrow to show what I mean. Anyone that does metal working and has the equipment will be able to fold the edge over.

I have no clue what thicknesses the metal would be.

 

[r_k_chic47]

Oh, okay. The thickness probably won't matter then. I was thinking the dimensions would be-
Diameter: 11"
Width: 5"-6"
Does this seem about right (for the wheel)?

 

[Nancy]

Here's some pictures.

I got this and a few other metal wheels from a rescue that was downsizing. The wheels are quite rusty and I have them sanded to repaint which is why the paint is so rough looking. I'm also going to be painting them white or a pastel colour to show up the poop colour better.

You can see on the first two photos where the metal has been folded tight against itself. The third photo which is blurry shows the cross bar which has the same folded metal. This particular wheel is huge and I think is 13 inch diameter. My Lexie is getting it as she is a big gal.

 

[Nancy]

Forgot to mention. 5-6" is good. If you can go 6". 11" plus diameter is great. Paint with a light coloured paint to show off coloured poop.

 

[r_k_chic47]

Okay, thank you for all your help. I wouldn't have the crossbar, because I've heard they're dangerous, but other than that, that's pretty much what I was thinking of. I will most likely paint it white or maybe a light blue. Any brands of non-toxic paint you would recommend?

 

[Nancy]

Yes, cross bars can be dangerous and I don't use them with just anyone. The hedgehogs that use these wheels came to me as rehomes and used this type of wheel in their former homes. I wouldn't buy or make a wheel with a crossbar.

 

[LinzardB]

You can actually buy rubber sealant tape which is VERY soft, or the tape that you put under your window to keep air from leaking in is also VERY soft and not sticky enough to grab a hold of a foot if it came loose.

They also have some kind of plain old plastic channel guides.. Your man might now what i am talking about.