#icedbun

Cnt I’d just get him a bigger normal wheel but he’s so large I’ve been having difficulty finding anything that wouldn’t curve his back, his cage is large but I’m not sure I’d have anything I could attach a wheel that size on to, hence the saucer

Hey, thanks for writing!

Depending on where you’re from I can totally understand that it’s hard to find a suitable wheel for your Syrian. Personally I am no big fan of saucer wheels because I’m not sure if the animal doesn’t run a little lopsided on them and I’d fear that my hammi could fall from them and get hurt. But that’s my opinion and that may not be real problems - I wouldn’t want to risk it, that’s all, I feel like a big nice wheel is more suitable. That’s why I don’t really have any tips on teaching your hamster to use it, I am sorry. If you can’t find a big wheel you should give him time, I am sure he’ll figure out how to use it one day! You could place food all over it so he has to move the saucer to get it but I bet you’ve already tried that. 

I don’t know where you’re living but when I searched for “Hamster wheel 12 inches” this site popped up. The perk is that is doesn’t need to be attached anywhere, all you need is a solid, even surface to put it on. I gotta say that I am not a big fan of plastic equipment but as long as your hamster has enough alternatives to chew on it’s acceptable, just keep an eye on it and if it gets chewed, it should be taken out. I have one of those - If there are Trixie products where you live you could try to find a wheel like this. Karlie also makes some great wooden wheels - This one is a tiny bit smaller than 12 inches but still quite big. If you buy a wooden one it would be recommendable to coat it with a water-resistant enamel or to clean it well from time to time (In case your hamster pees in there). Additionally here’s a nice post on how to spot a good wheel. I am sorry that I couldn’t really help, I’d just advertise to keep searching (Maybe post in a hamster forum and ask for places where you could purchase a big wheel) for wheels or to give your hamster time to get used to the saucer. Even though he doesn’t like it yet it’s better than causing possible issues with a wheel that’s too small.