[sagesmommy]

i was just wondering, i know that you cant let a hedgehog have one of the gerbil wheels with the holes in them but i was wondering ... gerbils have even littler feet then hedgehogs do. how come when a gerbil uses this wheel, his feet are fine but if a hedgie uses it it hurts there feet?

 

[dorasdaddy]

On the mesh wheels it is because the hedgies toenails will get caught and ripped out, and on the bar type it is because the hedgies legs are so long that they slip through the bars and break their legs.

 

[FiaSpice]

I think it also have to do with the weight and the way they are construct. An hedgehog is a lot heavier then a gerbil so it's more lkiely to get caught in the wire.

 

[sagesmommy]

oh good answer! i didn't even think of those things!

 

[HedgeMom]

Actually none of the above.

Gerbils, like rats, mice, hamsters and other species, have grasping feet. They can walk on narrow bars (although they shouldn't) and when they are on the wheel, they run grasping bar after bar (like the overhand bars on jungle gyms).

Hedgehogs do not have rodent feet and, as such, are not able to grasp the bars safely with each foot. Thus, they need a solid surface to run and live on.

 

[dorasdaddy]

Actually none of the above.

Gerbils, like rats, mice, hamsters and other species, have grasping feet. They can walk on narrow bars (although they shouldn't) and when they are on the wheel, they run grasping bar after bar (like the overhand bars on jungle gyms).

Hedgehogs do not have rodent feet and, as such, are not able to grasp the bars safely with each foot. Thus, they need a solid surface to run and live on.

So you are saying all of the horror stories of hedgies breaking their legs on the bar type because of their long legs, and of toenails getting ripped off are just lies?
You should seriously look at the way that you reply to posts. You act as if your opinion and knowledge is the only one that is right. I was simply relaying what i have read on COUNTLESS sites not to mention the posts on this very message board. You could simply state your knowledge or opinion as an addition, not just flat out call everyone else wrong.

 

[Kalandra]

I don't see anything inaccurate with HMs post. She states the problem isn't with leg length it is with their feet, they can't grasp the bars. Which then their legs fall through and they get hurt. That is the reason I have always seen to not use wheels with bars for a running surface.

As to mesh wheels, I will disagree with you about not using them. I use Mesh wheels. I have had not a single problem at all. In fact I am extremely happy with them. My hedgehogs do not run through their urine or their feces like they used to. However, not all mesh wheels are created equally. There are a metal style which has holes that are too large. The ones I have are made by Vern (don't think he has reregistered since the change over). Before I got mine I talked to several people who had been using them. I called Standing Bear at the Flash and Thelma and asked him why he prefers mesh wheels (Curt Decker & Vern Spool Style). He has a large number of hedgehogs running on these things all the time, and is happy with them. You do have to keep their nails trimmed, but that should be done anyway.

 

[HedgeMom]

The Kurt Decker style wheels were fantastic. Sadly, most people won't put any effort into finding a proper mesh wheel. They'll see "mesh is ok" and then run off and get that nasty wheel that PetsMart says is ok.

dorasdaddy, I'm sorry you have trouble with reading for content. As Kalandra explained, I was discussing why hedgehogs need solid surface wheels.

Perhaps you should take a look at your tone before hitting the submit button. It's certainly very hostile.

 

[dorasdaddy]

I never once said HM was inacurate...i was just stating my displeasure with her "be all, end all" attitude....it was quite the opposite, she was calling me totally inacurate...i was mearly relaying the info that i had gathered.....i thought that the PURPOSE of this board.

 

[Melissa]

I never once said HM was inacurate...i was just stating my displeasure with her "be all, end all" attitude....it was quite the opposite, she was calling me totally inacurate...i was mearly relaying the info that i had gathered.....i thought that the PURPOSE of this board.

Anyone can read and regurgitate information that they have read. Doesnt mean the information you read was accurate. The purpose of the forum is to share experiences and knowledge about our quilled babies. Not to repeat information that you read somewhere else which may or may not be accurate.

And she didnt "call you 'totally inaccurate.'" She was simply stating that neither of those reasons were the reasons why they shouldnt have a mesh wheel. Stating its not the "length" as you mentioned. I know of animals that have long legs that can handle the wheel just fine. Its the size of the holes in the mesh wheels and the way the feet are. They cant grip properly and can fall through the holes.

ETA: If your age in your profile is correct then HM has had hedgie experience for almost as long as you have been alive. It is my understanding by the nature of some of your questions that you just got your hedgehog. I say leave it to the pros until you know from presonal experience.. And if you "read" something cite it so we can check its accuracy.

 

[dorasdaddy]

I didnt say their legs fell through the holes of the mesh wheels...i said THE BAR STYLE. i said toenails get ripped off in the mesh style. and last i checked there wasn't an ownership requirement to post answers on here. I do realize that i am a new owner, but as i shared before i thought the purpose of the board was to share INFORMATION, not life experiences. But none the less i will just be quiet and let ya'll have the board....by the way thanks to everyone for chiming in when i had a problem, more people have posted about something here that didnt even pertain to them than when i had a genuine problem with my little one. I can see where the priorities of this board lie.

 

[sagesmommy]

OKAY, i appreciate everyone opinion and knowledge that was given. EVERYONES
and everyone has to learn what they know from somewhere so really every single answer on this forum has been regurgitated information and i appreciate all the answers and when someone in the future asks me this question i will regurgitate all the lovely information all of you provided

 

[Nancy]

Ok folks. End the arguments. Hedgemom was simply stating why hedgehogs cannot safely use wire mesh or rung wheels. It was a simple statement of facts not aimed at anyone and not meant to start an argument.