[quillout]

We've had her for a little more than a week and at first we had a large comfort wheel of which I found poop on once (pretty sure she was just sitting on it and scratching/pooping not running). It was either that or the silent spinner so I chose the lesser of two evils as I've read both are not to good. Anyways then next couple days after that the poop ceased and i figured maybe she just didn't like that type of wheel or it was uncomfortable, it was also very rickety and annoying even when she was just sitting on it scratching.. Soooo I set out to make her a bucket wheel as I've read they are widely liked by most hedgies, but alas, its been another few days and it hasn't moved at all... What should we do!? Here's a couple pics of it.

Front, 10 inches in diameter

Side view, used an old rollerblade wheel. Its 5 inches deep and tilted until the surface was flat.

 

[LarryT]

Are her nails long?

 

[quillout]

Are her nails long?

Hmm, how long is too long exactly? the back ones look a lil long, was thinkin bout cuttin them but didnt wanna put her through anything too traumatizing the first few weeks unless absolutely necessary, seeing how new arrivals are stressed as is already..

PS i forgot to mention, she only really has nails on one foot, the other is a bit of a "nub" not sure if she was born that way or possibly over-grooming by the mother as suggested by the vet. It is fully healed with no open wounds or anything tho anyways... Ill try an get a picture

 

[quillout]

Little bit fuzzy i know, was hard to to have her sit still

Right (nub)

Left (nails)

 

[LarryT]

They are in need of a trimming
Here's a good thread about timming nails:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3924&p=31826&hilit=nail+trimming#p31826

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54&p=82&hilit=nail+trimming+pic+of+quick#p82

 

[strawberryfields]

I would say that it's just her nails as well. Rocko stops wheeling when his nails get too long.

It's also worth noting that he didn't wheel for about a month after we got him, even though the breeder said he was an avid wheeler before we brought him home. It can take quite a while for them to be comfortable enough to do certain things. But give the nails a trim and see how it goes.

 

[Kalandra]

Also check the pitch of your wheel. If she slides while trying to run she may be giving up and not using it. I've had plenty that would stop if the wheel's pitch was a little off.

BTW, what did you use as the bucket? Looks like you did a good job making the wheel. I'm a fan of zip ties over screws.