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Mouse wheel issue- EMERGENCY?
We have a size too big wheel for our mice (three of them) and they can't turn it. We just got them this morning, so letting them out for supervised playtime isn't an option. Will they be okay for one night until we get them a smaller one, and is there something we can do for them in the meantime?
I have no idea how to do that safely, and it doesn't sound like it'll work- the weights might work if they're perfectly balanced, but there's no way I could manage that.
They like to climb around the cage, and it's their first night in it so they'll be exploring extra anyway, so hopefully they'll be okay until we can get them a new wheel.
3 Answers
- lovemiceLv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
They will be fine without a wheel for one night. Mice are in fact crepuscular meaning primarily active during twilight hours, dawn and dusk, so they would not be using the wheel all through the night anyway. (Mice do have some diurnal and nocturnal activity, but dawn and dusk are their most active times.) Also, since this is their first night with you they are settling in and no doubt quite happy just exploring their new environment. Offer them an empty paper towel/tissue roll and paper (non-plastic) Dixie cup if you have them. Most mice enjoy shredding these so it will keep them occupied.
TFM is an excellent mouse site/forum with a thread on toys to make for little or no cost. You might find additional ideas for accessories to add tonight to keep them amused:
http://forum.thefunmouse.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=...
(If you cannot read the above thread, you will need to register first.)
Can I ask what kind of wheel you plan to get? I have found the WodentWheel JR (8" OD) is a favorite with any age mouse so not something they need to grow into and it remains suitable when they mature. A lot of people like the FlyingSaucerWheel although I ended up giving mine away because my mice at the time refused to use it.
ADDENDUM: I just saw your Q about homemade mouse climbing toys. You can make what TFM calls MESs (Mouse Entertainment Systems) which are structures you build from popsicle sticks and non-toxic glue. I bought an inexpensive hot-glue gun and it makes making them a snap. Again, if you cannot read the thread you will need to register first:
- DancerLv 58 years ago
They'll be ok. I would just take the wheel out and return it in the morning. If it is a wheel with a screw, then you can unscrew it a bit and see if that helps, or if you really want, you can try dabbing vegetable oil on the joins. Needs to be vegetable though. I, personally, would just take it out and return it in the morning.
- 8 years ago
They should be fine, but if you're worried about their lack of exercise, try tying some weights around the wheel, if its a metal one.. maybe that would assist. Not sure if it would work for sure, but it's worth a shot.