Attaching a Wheel to a Cage

Normally I use zip ties for securing the wheel stand to the cage.  For my non-collapsing cages, this is exactly what I do.

For my collapsing cages for my rodents that don't bother the bungee cords, I  use small bungee cords to secure the wheels.

My collapsible cages have 1/2" x 1/2" wire as they are sometimes used for mice.  This means the bungee hooks won't actually fit through the wire.

This is a mini bungee purchased at Home Depot.  Fold the bungee in half.

Slip the loop through the wire on one side of the wheel stand, over the wheel stand and back through the wire on the other side.

Slip the two ends through the loop.

Pull tight on the ends.

Always secure the ties high, preferably behind the wheel.

I need 4 bungees to secure the wheel.  (When I use zip ties, I usually need 6 of those.)

Below is the wheel secured to the cage.  Note there is no bungee on the lower "bend."  My hamsters leave these alone, but no need to tempt fate.  The bungees are pulled so tight, the wheel can be left unsecured on the lower bend.

The reason I like using the bungees over wire and zip ties for the collapsible cages is the zip ties have to be cut and tossed and the wire, I'm not particularly fond of twisting wire.  I also don't like cutting wire and zip ties so close to the cage wire.

My preferred wheel is the Wodent Wheel, although my mice use the 6.5" Silent Spinners and flying saucers.

Rosie Before and After

This is what I looked like before in my wheel, no space.  This is a 6.5 inch Silent Spinner.

Now I have a 12" Giant Silent Spinner and I have space!

And all is right in my happy little hammie world!

Giant Silent Spinners

One Giant Silent Spinner has come in and they've changed how they attach to the cage so now I can use a 1/2" x 1" cage.  This is AWESOME!  I don't have to order any more cages because the wheels will fit on them just fine!  I'm so excited about that!   I have 3 more wheels on the way but they should be here soon.  The hamsters and gerbil will be so happy!

Rosie Cheeks

After this shot she found a peanut and tried to shove that in too.  When it wouldn't fit whole, she bit it in half and put the two pieces in.

Hate to hoard and run but I need to "run" before hiding my stash.

This is the shot that proves that Syrian hamsters need a 12" wheel (this wheel is 6.5 inches).  And yes, they are on order!  Please read the wikipedia article about hamster wheels: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster_wheel

Please note, this (All Living Things) cage is no longer made.  It is also too small for a 12" wheel.  I use a custom cage cage made by Quality Cages that is 32" wide x 16" deep x 16" tall.  It is 1" x 1/2" wire.  When not in use it folds into the 3" deep powder coated pan.  Otherwise, I recommend Quality Cages RT-1824C http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1380.  It is a stock cage they typically have on-hand.  This cage can also be expanded by adding additional levels.  RT-24.