naughty rats *broke* their Super Pet mesh wheel!!!

[a1issa]

Seriously, I thought these mesh wheels would last forever.  This morning I went to say hi to the ratties and two innocent little faces poked through the bars... while their mesh wheel sat on the floor of the cage.  I figured they'd gotten in a big fight and knocked the wheel off the axis, but no.

Upon closer inspection I realized that the wheel's socket on one side actually *snapped,* so that the framing bar is in two pieces instead of one.  Thus, it won't attach to the axis.  It could probably be welded back together but then the rotation will be a bit crooked as a result.

I knew my rats were dedicated runners, but I didn't realize they could actually stress the metal to breaking with their vigorous exercise!  Now that's hardcore!

[CheesyRatte]

  That's rats for you. Crazy little animals. 

[fluffy pluffy]

That's rats for you. Crazy little animals. 

I'll say! I had my hamster in her exercise wheel once,she was running around in it on the floor,and it suddenly snapped in half. She wasn't hurt,just startled by the sudden change.

[a1issa]

Yeah, I love how they're momentarily confused, then forget about the incident entirely!

I always wonder what they think happens when things in their cages disappear, then reappear.  I mean, other than, "Oooh, something fresh to pee on!!!" when things reappear.

[dream_chaser023]

I personally would take it as a sign that they want a solid bottom wheel ;3 

At the pet store I work for we have had 2 rats, 1 robo hamster, and 1 dwarf hamster break their legs on mesh wheels.  I personally like the silent spinner, but the comfort wheel is also nice and a lot friendlier on the wallet.

*to anyone else, please don't attack me for being against mesh wheels.  If you want to use them thats fine with me, I am only stating my opinion and my reasoning behind my opinion, I honestly don't want to get a million responses saying "mesh wheels are fine" and "I have never had an animal break a leg on these wheel"  I understand it doesn't happen often, I personally wouldn't want to take a chance. thanks*