I just got a 9 inch silent runner for my mice. It’s a HUGE size difference from their 6.5 inch, and they seem very wary of it. They haven’t ran in it yet so idk if they can push it. Is 9 inches too big for mice to push?
9 inch wheel too big for mice?
Started by
Chel the ham ham
, Jan 20 2022 02:07 PM
5 replies to this topic
#1
Chel the ham ham
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Posted 20 January 2022 - 02:07 PM
#2
oDrifted
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Posted 20 January 2022 - 02:42 PM
Hi,
9 inches is great for mice, they are most likely weary because it's a new item and mice are prey animals. I highly recommend you remove their 6.5 inch wheel, as it will encourage them to go onto the 9 inch wheel.
In addition 6.5 inch wheels are rather harmful for mice, they bend theirs backs and tails, causing spine issues and wheel tail, and is almost impossible for both mice to be on together, which a lot of female mice do/enjoy. 
Hope this helps!
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#3
Robin~
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Posted 20 January 2022 - 08:56 PM
Honestly I found 9” to be too small—it caused the tail of one of my mice to be in a constantly bent position while running on it, and since it was her favorite wheel that she ran on like 70% of the time her tail essentially became permanently bent. I’d say as long as none of your mice go nuts for wheels a 9” is fine but if you have a crazy runner like mine I’d upgrade to an 11-12”.
In short though, no, there’s really no such thing as a wheel that’s too big as long as it’s easy to spin. My smallest mouse (around 21-22g) loved running in the 12” SR I had in their cage.
In short though, no, there’s really no such thing as a wheel that’s too big as long as it’s easy to spin. My smallest mouse (around 21-22g) loved running in the 12” SR I had in their cage.
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#4
Silktail
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Posted 23 January 2022 - 06:35 AM
Honestly I found 9” to be too small—it caused the tail of one of my mice to be in a constantly bent position while running on it, and since it was her favorite wheel that she ran on like 70% of the time her tail essentially became permanently bent. I’d say as long as none of your mice go nuts for wheels a 9” is fine but if you have a crazy runner like mine I’d upgrade to an 11-12”.
In short though, no, there’s really no such thing as a wheel that’s too big as long as it’s easy to spin. My smallest mouse (around 21-22g) loved running in the 12” SR I had in their cage.
Would something really big like the wide SR be good for female mice since they like running together? (like mentioned above)
#5
Chel the ham ham
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Posted 23 January 2022 - 09:51 AM
Update: they ran in it! It took them a few days, but after they realized it was a wheel they haven’t stopped running! It is the wide 9 inch Silent runner actually, and they love running together <3
#6
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Posted 28 January 2022 - 05:31 AM
Would something really big like the wide SR be good for female mice since they like running together? (like mentioned above)
That would make a lot of sense! I’m sure two could fit on the 12” just fine but if you have a lot of mice that like using wheels I would definitely see the wide version as being a worth-while upgrade.
