2007-02-22 09:53:46 · 5 answers · asked by CrazyChic86 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
This is a bit unusual for a hamster. Unlike what some people may think, hamsters don't need to learn to use a wheel, they just seem to instinctually know how to.
I would question what type of wheel that you have? The standard metal wire bar kind are too small and uncomfortable for Syrian hamsters. The plastic wheels that come with most cage set-ups are bad as well. They are very uncomforable to walk/run on and are also too small for Syrian hamsters. One of these two are best:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441781497&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302047891&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023695&bmUID=1172238242508&itemNo=0&In=Small+Pet&N=2047891&Ne=2
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780093&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302047891&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023695&bmUID=1172238243115&itemNo=25&In=Small+Pet&N=2047891&Ne=2
For either of these wheels, you will want to buy the 8" one.
It is a bit strange that she is not running in her ball. I would suggest putting her in the ball and then putting her on a smooth surface to make it easier for her to move the ball on. If she is still a new hamster, she may be a bit frightened and/or overwhelmed still. If you bathroom has a smooth floor then put her in the ball and then put her in the bathroom. Turn the light off in the bathroom and close the door. Leave her in there for a half hour before going back in to check on her. I'd be surprised if she didn't run about at that point.
If you're worried about her not getting exercise, then you could let her run around in an empty bathtub. Just be sure to plug up the drain so she doesn't try to escape. You can put her toys in there. You could even put her wheel in the tub with her and turn off the light and shut the door again and see if that makes a difference.
If she's an older hamster, and purchasing one from a pet store doesn't guarantee they'll be young hamster, she may just no be interested in exerting herself. She may have back problems and arching it into a "U" to run in the wheel or ball could be painful. It's pretty hard to say. Try these few suggestions and see if that helps anything.
-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com
2007-02-23 00:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by radiocricket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. My gerbil only used his wheel mostly at night because there nocturnal animals. u proably just dont realize when hes doing it cause your asleep. Or he will when he gets use to his surroundings. I didn't really notice my gerbil using his untill actually liek 2 yrs after i've had him. Thats when he really go tinto "excersising" i guess he was just having a mid life crisis! And he lived to be about 6 or 7 (no lie) which is a really long life span, and he was as healthy as a horse threw out it to!
2007-02-22 18:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by it's me 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing. If she is new she needs to get used to the cage. If you an older hamster than maybe she is just tired or is bored with these toys. Try getting her a new toy that is different from the ones she already has.
2007-02-22 18:49:59 · answer #3 · answered by kool aid man. 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if she's NEW new, let her get used to the cage first.
then she'll start going in the ball.
if she doesn't.. take her to a vet,
she could be paralysed, it's very common.
2007-02-22 18:09:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
shes not energetic
so?
2007-02-22 17:57:30 · answer #5 · answered by rabbithorsegirl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋