Wheels are vital to the health and wellbeing of hedgehogs because they often act as their main source of physical activity. Running wheels come in different types and finding the right one for your hedgehog can be tricky, particularly as a first-timer.

This article answers the question “Is Flying Saucer Bad for Hedgehogs?” by revealing the pitfalls hedgehogs have to navigate on this wheel type. We also reveal the most suitable wheel options available and why those alternatives could be better. Let’s get started, shall we?

Is Flying Saucer Bad for Hedgehogs?

Flying Saucer wheels can be bad for hedgehogs because of their excessive noise and the high risk of exposure to hip and joint problems in one-direction runners. Poop flinging and leg-breaking accidents may become more prevalent in hedgehogs running on flying saucer wheels.

Your responsibility as a hedgehog owner is to make sure they get constant access to wheels and other exercise toys. Flying saucer wheels are a popular choice since they’re readily available in local pet stores like Petsmart and Petco but are they the right option for your hedgehogs?

This popular wheel type may cause more harm than good from our personal experience and it doesn’t take long for many hedgehog owners to come to the same conclusion.

Why Flying Saucer Wheels Are Bad For Hedgehogs

As previously stated, there are multiple negatives associated with fixing flying saucer wheels in your hedgehog’s cage for their nightly exercise. Shall we delve straight into what issues they may bring?

1. Flying Saucer Wheels Cause Hip/Joint Problems

Flying saucer wheels can expose hedgehogs to hip and joint problems due to the nature of their design. Hedgehogs that run in one direction are at a greater risk because the nature of the wheels puts significant wear and tear on the hips during those extensive runs.

With the average hedgehog running for 3 hours or more every night, absolute comfort is required on a running wheel that offers minimal pressure on the hips and joints. Over time, the hedgehog becomes prone to hip fractures, joint issues, and leg fractures that may cause debilitating pain.

Not only could this restrict their ability to run but it may also limit normal daily activities like walking around in their cages. Handling them may lead to more discomfort since their joints are always sore.

2. Loud Noises Are Prevalent in Flying Saucer Wheels

Few things can be more frustrating than waking up to loud noises emanating from your hedgehog’s wheel while running at night. Flying saucer wheels may be a source of disturbing sounds due to the excessive friction of the parts.

Frequent greasing of the bearings could reduce the noise but why go through the hustle when there are more silent options like Bucket wheels? Besides, which hedgehog owner wants to have to get up in the middle of the night to go lubricate the wheel’s parts to stop the unbearable noise?

3. Poop Flinging Across the Hedgehog’s Cage

If you want an ultra-clean environment, flying saucer wheels could be the wrong choice because they can fling poop everywhere in the cage. Hedgehogs poop a lot during running and the sight of poop getting flung across the cage could defeat your sanitation ambitions.

More frequent cleaning of the hedgehog’s cage may become necessary. Also, who wants to raise a hedgehog in a cage with poop flung everywhere? Besides, the poop flinging can expose the hedgehog to disease-causing organisms that may cause frequent health problems.

4. Flying Saucers Break Easily

While flying saucers could be suitable for baby hedgehogs, they typically outgrow them after a couple of months resulting in a high probability of the wheels breaking during running. Since it might take a week to get your hands on a more suitable replacement wheel, we recommend buying a sturdier alternative for your pet hedgehog.

This can prevent breakage surprises that may expose your hedgehog to boredom and depression for up to a week before a replacement arrives.

5. Leg Breaking In Hedgehogs On Flying Saucers

There’s an increased risk of leg-breaking on flying saucer wheels among hedgehogs thanks to the awkward running angles. Many hedgehogs struggle to move especially during the first couple of times after introduction to the wheels resulting in a higher risk of falling off the running surface.

They may fail to get into the groove of things and running for longer periods can become almost impossible. This could affect their ability to stay in shape leading to unhealthy weight gain.

Advantages of Flying Saucer Wheels

Flying saucer wheels are not all doom and gloom because they come with a few positives. Here are the advantages of buying them for your hedgehogs.

Flying Saucer Wheels Are Easy To Clean

Flying saucer wheels are easier to clean compared with alternatives like Bucket wheels. Each part of the wheels is accessible and they don’t absorb smells from the hedgehog’s constant poop and pee.

All you have to do is run hot water on the wheel and scrub off debris with a sponge or old toothbrush to eliminate dirt and poop residue.

Flying Saucer Wheels Are Cheaper

Flying saucer wheels are more affordable than other types on the market and this can make them attractive for those on a budget. But their longevity could be limited and your hedgehog may also need a larger wheel as they grow older and physically larger.

Suitable for Physically Small Hedgehogs

Flying saucer wheels serve as the perfect introduction to running in hedgehogs. Baby hedgehogs cut their teeth in the running world with these wheels before graduating to more advanced types like bucket wheels.

How Long Should Hedgehogs Run?

Hedgehogs should run for at least 1 hour each night although some have been discovered to run for 3 hours or more per night. Attaching an odometer to your hedgehog’s wheel can provide accurate information about how much they run. (Source)

What Toys Should I Get My Hedgehog?

Hedgehogs enjoy a wide range of toys and in most cases, the more toys they have, the more playful and happier they can be. A few popular options are listed below.

• Running wheels
• Running tunnels
• Mazes
• Stuffed animals
• Cat toys
• Toy dump trucks

Do Hedgehogs Get Bored?

Hedgehogs get bored when they’re robbed of access to physical activity which is why running wheels and other toys like running tunnels should be introduced in their cages. Hedgehogs should also spend time out of their enclosures to play with their human parents to minimize their boredom.

Conclusion: Is Flying Saucer Bad for Hedgehogs?

Flying saucer wheels can be bad for hedgehogs due to their loudness, incessant poop flinging, and vulnerability to hip and joint problems. The wheels break easily and are known for exposing hedgehogs to leg fractures and other physical accidents.

Flying saucers have their advantages including easy cleaning and relatively more affordable price tags but the negatives could outweigh the positives.