New Hamster Very Soft Stool

[Maz]

I didn't know that about guinea pigs Although I don't know much at all about guinea pigs . So yes just keep an eye on things. Did you say it was a wood wheel? Is it one with a cork lining? What people tend to do is paint those with plastikote (including the cork part) so they're wipe clean. It's not completely foolproof but it helps a lot. I used to just paint the inside of the wheel and the cork as the outside wasn't an issue ever.

Now you can actually still do that after it's been cleaned and dried. The issue would be that he'd be without his wheel for a few days and he wouldn't like that at all! So if it hasn't been plastikoted then maybe just give it a clean in a couple of days as best you can. They still clean up even without plastikote. Most hamsters do pee in their wheels unfortunately (although I've had a couple that didn't but that's unusual).

Then it'll give you an idea if it's stopped.

 

[mealwormdevourer]

I didn't know that about guinea pigs Although I don't know much at all about guinea pigs . So yes just keep an eye on things. Did you say it was a wood wheel? Is it one with a cork lining? What people tend to do is paint those with plastikote (including the cork part) so they're wipe clean. It's not completely foolproof but it helps a lot. I used to just paint the inside of the wheel and the cork as the outside wasn't an issue ever.

Now you can actually still do that after it's been cleaned and dried. The issue would be that he'd be without his wheel for a few days and he wouldn't like that at all! So if it hasn't been plastikoted then maybe just give it a clean in a couple of days as best you can. They still clean up even without plastikote. Most hamsters do pee in their wheels unfortunately (although I've had a couple that didn't but that's unusual).

Then it'll give you an idea if it's stopped.

That’s a great idea. It is a wooden wheel and the inside bit does appear to be made of cork. Perhaps I can just scrape the dried on stuff off for now and when I get him his permanent enclosure sorted he might be ok for a few nights without his wheel as he explores his new home.

 

[Maz]

You can scrape bits off and also rub with a damp cloth - it can usually handle that as long as you’re not too vigorous or the cork can start to come apart but that’s usually only after cleaning it a few times.

However I wouldn’t recommend leaving a hamster without a wheel even for one night . He will get very stressed with pent up energy and could have a major hissy fit as well as being extremely stressed. I have a spare wheel which I use in the playpen or can swap out (they don’t particularly like it being swapped out either!) but that’s no help if you don’t have one! And it costs money to buy another one. Although the plastic 28cm trixie wheel isn’t too expensive as a spare/playpen wheel. It’s £14.73 on Amazon at the moment. It’s not a silent wheel like you’re wood one but they are usually very quiet and virtually silent. Unless you’re unlucky enough to get a squeaky one! Then it means sending it back for replacement.

Trixie 28cm wheel

 

[Maz]

Sorry you’re only getting me replying right now. It might still be haif teen in some areas so a bit quiet!

 

[mealwormdevourer]

You can scrape bits off and also rub with a damp cloth - it can usually handle that as long as you’re not too vigorous or the cork can start to come apart but that’s usually only after cleaning it a few times.

However I wouldn’t recommend leaving a hamster without a wheel even for one night . He will get very stressed with pent up energy and could have a major hissy fit as well as being extremely stressed. I have a spare wheel which I use in the playpen or can swap out (they don’t particularly like it being swapped out either!) but that’s no help if you don’t have one! And it costs money to buy another one. Although the plastic 28cm trixie wheel isn’t too expensive as a spare/playpen wheel. It’s £14.73 on Amazon at the moment. It’s not a silent wheel like you’re wood one but they are usually very quiet and virtually silent. Unless you’re unlucky enough to get a squeaky one! Then it means sending it back for replacement.

Trixie 28cm wheel

I have noticed a lot of people in the county I’m in selling all of their hamster stuff. So I could get a decent quality second hand wheel and thoroughly disinfect it.

 

[mealwormdevourer]

Sorry you’re only getting me replying right now. It might still be haif teen in some areas so a bit quiet!

No worries, you’ve been really helpful. It is always difficult communicating internationally on the internet because people are all in different time zones!

 

[Maz]

True! Yes you might pick up a cheap second hand trixie wheel

Main thing is he looks well and healthy. And hopefully it was just a blip.