Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I have two male hamsters and they are so cute. My friend had to give them up because she moved away. I bought them a wheel (they cant get their tails caught in it and they cant chew it up its made of metal w/ special non chewable coating) and I was wondering if there is a way to teach them how to use it correctly? They dont use it at all. They dont really need it but I cant take it back and I dont know what else to do. All they want to do is chew on it so is there a special way to make them use it correctly? I tried showing them how to use it, put them in it and slowly spinning it, and putting my hands over the sides so they couldnt get out (just for a second). Thanks

Hi! I imagine that you meant to say that you have two GERBILS, not hamsters since you mentioned that they have tails. I myself have two gerbils and they also refuse to use their exercise wheel. I know it is a good thing to always provide them with a safe exercise wheel but some gerbils just don't care to use them. I wouldn't force the issue. If they want to use it they will. If they don't they could always just use it as a seat to sit and munch treats (that's what my gerbs do!). You could find a different method to ensure your gerbils get exercise. Take them out of the cage and let them run around a gerbil safe room or buy them on of those roll-a-round balls. Good luck with the two little guys!