[strawberryfields]

Rocko is nine weeks old now, and will be ten weeks old on Wednesday. I've had him about three and a half weeks (since he turned six weeks old) and he has yet to even touch his wheel. I'm concerned that it might be the type of wheel that's keeping him from using it. I got a Giant Comfort Wheel, which I saw on the forums and in a few other places as a good recommendation. But Rocko won't touch it.

Should I just wait a few more weeks and see if he takes to it? Or could he possibly benefit from me buying a CWS instead?

 

[Shelbys Mom]

Personally I wouldn't spend that much on a wheel unless I knew he would use it.
Although I made a similar wheel (made from same cake plate)for my boy and it is the ONLY wheel I've ever been able to get him to use.

I would give him a little longer maybe he is still adjusting.
Then if he still isn't then maybe try another type of wheel and maybe Hog Wallow will be caught up on orders.

And remember that a few hedgies do not like wheels at all.
2 of mine wouldn't touch a wheel to save their lives!

the other 2 wouldn't get off theirs to save their lives.

But yours is still young so maybe he just needs a little more time?

Just my opinion.

 

[Piccolo]

ive gotten my hedgehog to use his wheel by luring him in there with mealworms and having him try to climb up to it, therefore making it spin and letting him get the concept. he was 5 months old when i got him and i dont believe he's ever been on a wheel before but it only took 3 nights of repeating the routine to get him comfortable with it, and to eventually use it.

 

[Pipkin]

Turbo didnt use his wheel for a good few weeks after i bought him home. I assume its cus they're getting used to their new surroundings a settling in. Plus a big wheel like that must be quite intimidating for a baby hedgie.
He more than likely will get into a routine eventually.

 

[LarryT]

I have noticed that when i have babies ole enough to start wheeling some of them don't like the step up to get on the wheel so i add a stepping stone.

 

[bluebunneh]

Pippi hasn't seemed to catch onto her wheel either... I have the Flying Saucer. She tried to walk up it the other day and sat on it and pooped haha but other than that she's uninterested. I've only had her for a week and she's only 6 weeks old so perhaps she's too young?

Are there any other ways for her to get exercise? I've put her out in a playpen but I think because she's still a baby she's too timid to run around and she always walks to me and climbs on me and stays there with limited movement.

I don't want my poor Pippi to end up like George! ( the obese hedgehog )

 

[Nancy]

Some babies will figure out a wheel within one minute of being given one. Others can take weeks to catch onto it. It also depends on the wheel. Make sure it is completely level or even angled back a slight bit. If they slide out of it easily when they first try it, sometimes that will keep them from wheeling for a while

The flying saucer is a different issue. It isn't a normal running surface and it can take some time to get comfortable with. Also, some hedgehogs will not use one at all.

 

[strawberryfields]

Good news everyone, he's learned how to use it!

 

[hedgy89]

Is there an alternative to the wheel? What I mean is is there another form of exercise the can have?

 

[Ariel]

My breeder said Sophie has been wheeling since she was 5 weeks old. I currently have a Comfort Wheel for her while waiting for my CWS to come. I would hate to deprive her of it with as much as she runs.