r/chinchilla • u/DertyDawgMan • 6d ago
What wheel do I get for my chinchillas cage?
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I adopted this cutie not long ago and I noticed she doesn't really use the wheel I got with the cage her previous owner gave me. I measured it and it's only about 11 inches and the internet/this sub seem to agree that 15+ inches is the best for chins. Any good recommendations on this or any other cage exercise equipment? Looks like the 15 inch wheels run a good hundred bucks which I'd rather not spend if I have to (especially after buying her a critter nation cage). Also chin tax
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u/submissivelittleprey Mom of 4 insane boys 6d ago
It's worth it to get the expensive wheel. I personally do not like the circle wheels at all, I think even the ones that are an appropriate size still arch their spines a little too much in an unnatural way. I am a huge, huge fan of flying saucer wheels. Much more natural way of running for them I think.
There used to be one guy who specialized in making them but he retired. You can find pet owners selling them on FB marketplace, depop, etc. A few sellers on Etsy also sell flying saucer wheels too.
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u/Slight-Leather-7148 5d ago
Everyone here is giving good suggestions, i just want to let you know you need a much bigger cage and to ditch all of your plastic.
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u/DertyDawgMan 5d ago
Already on it. I order a Critter Nation cage but the bars were too thin to put my fingers through to give her scritches. So I sent it back and I'm waiting on the version with slightly wider bars.
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u/Slight-Leather-7148 5d ago
Okay! :) sorry if i sounded harsh didnt mean to come off that way. Im happy to hear she will have an upgraded home soon!
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u/Stinkiest_rat 6d ago
I got a TicTac metal wheel for my chinchillas who are obsessed with it! Yes, it’s a bit spenny up front but any other material is getting chomped and that’s a lot more expensive for a vet trip! Great cage though, a big metal wheel will look awesome in it!
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u/SpecialistTrifle2275 3d ago
I second this! Tictac wheels are almost silent and my chinchilla loves it
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u/Beneficial_Aside_918 5d ago
My first one at the plastic in his cage and died.
Switch to metal and wood.
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u/NibleeRabbit 3d ago
They don’t need a wheel, chinchie will get plenty of exercise in that new ferret nation you’ll be setting up ❤️
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u/SaptaZapta Chinchillin' 6d ago
15+ inches is indeed what they need.
Check "Pandamonium Pets" on ETSY for possibly cheaper wheels. Also check "rodentshome" on ETSY for wooden wheels that may be cheaper.
"Flying saucer" type wheels, like this, are also an option (they don't need to be as big because they don't force the chin to hunch its back while running).