Someone has informed me that the Wodent is a terrible wheel for gliders, has anyone had bad experiences with it? I heard it can rip/break tails and break backs...is this true? They recommended a wheel with a bounce to it, known as a custom choice cruiser?

Yes it is true about the Wodent Wheel. A tail was ripped off and someone here posted on it maybe just 2 or 3 weeks ago?

Stealth Wheels are what I use and some others on here also use them - I haven't heard anything bad about the Custom Choice but the Stealths are great. They are spongey and big and spin freely.

I have 7 Wodent wheels and never had a problem.

I have 14 Wodent Wheels and have never had a problem. I would venture to say that people actually having issues with those wheels is far and few in between. I will say that I offer a LOT of wheels in my cages, so perhaps my experience is different. Perhaps those who have had issues only have one wheel with 5 critters cramming into it at once.

Well I never had a problem with my old wheels either, but that's how it works - you don't have a problem until you do. And at that time, you have a seriously injured animal. So it's a risk. You just have to figure out if it's worth it to you.

I had a Wodent Wheel and it was either pulling or rubbing the hair off of my gliders' tails. They had these little nubs with no hair on their tails that I thought was due to overgrooming. After coming on here, I was advised to switch. I got a stealth wheel and now their tails are nice and bushy! :)

Does anyone have any photos of damage absolutely caused by a Wodent Wheel? It would be nice to have some documentation/proof for people doing future searches. Seems like the creator might like to see as well.

I've heard the same thing. I'm just not a gambler when it comes to my kids, better safe than sorry. I have 2 stealth wheels, and watching my new trio jump in and out the wheel while it's going full blast makes me more inclined to stick with the stealth.

I like Wodent Wheels because they are nice wheels and aren't too expensive. I only recently heard bad things about them. But I've also heard tons of good things. I guess its just a personal opinion.

Stealth wheels are probably the best wheel but that doesn't mean something bad won't happen.

We have to remember that sugar gliders are very small and get into almost everything. So they could hurt themselves on something we would have no clue about.

So honestly its just a personal opinion. But of course there are some wheels that are a BIG no no. :)

Here's one of the threads being referred to:


http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=42420&whichpage=2

If you are using a Wodent Wheel - it must be cleaned frequently.

The axle becomes sticky from glider pee etc. drying on it. This makes it easy for the fur on a glider's tail to get caught on the axle and roll up on it - much like a hair roller.

The new models have a large shield around the stationary axle but it appears that these could also become sticky and cause issues if not kept clean.

Even with the safety shields in place - cleaning must be done frequently to prevent tail injuries.

I know at least 6 people that have had a tail ripped off by a wodent wheel

Seriously - it's an opinion if people were "theorizing that an accident could happen" but experiencing it means it "actually does happen."

There is a difference. It's like keeping your baby in a recalled stroller or crib because they didn't lose any fingers or toes or suffocate in it (yet), and just because other babies had something amputated or died, doesn't mean yours will?

Can you put like duct tape on a wheel that isn't solid to cover the grate? 2 pieces both facing the metal cage from the outside and inside. Then it would be just like a solid wheel if you had a wire wheel, right?

Asking for trouble - the gliders could eat it. And the center would still be an issue.

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Originally posted by dooney

I know at least 6 people that have had a tail ripped off by a wodent wheel

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I've heard people say it and say they think that's what it's from. I'm not saying it isn't...would just be nice to have some documented proof like we do for other things. I also think it would be something the manufacturer/creator should have.

I suspect that out of 6 people having tails ripped off, one could get some photos of the incident or something supporting the issue.

What about the hand that was stuck in the wheel? The glider and wheel both went to the vet to get the wheel cut off so there's no doubt what caused that hand injury.

Just from google I saw stories where joeys especially had head injuries from sticking their heads in a hole when an adult inside started to run.

Also this one - one of the washers on the wheel broke, the wheel slid back, the cotter pin was sticking out, and the gliders patagium got stuck on the pin and ripped a bit.

They are all pretty specific.

Like I said, no need to get defensive. I don't know about the Glider's hand that got stuck in a Wodent Wheel. It would be easy enough to provide a link, I would imagine. Pretty sure I also said that I wasn't saying any of this didn't happen. What I says, repeatedly, is that it would be nice to get some documented proof. You can't get a hold of a manufacturer and simply say "your wheels are breaking tails and ripping off appendages. Someone told me so on a sugar glider site.".

This community gets all bent out of shape over he said she said stuff yet when someone asks for proof, they're saying they don't believe you? That's absurd. Have any if you that have had these traumatic issues reported it to the maker? The vendor? If not, why not? If these should not be deemed glider safe any longer, make it so! Let the people making it know! Show them photos or vet reports...something. How is that possibly an unreasonable request?

Kyro, the other thread you posted on has the story about the hand:
www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=42420&whichpage=1

I am just posting things I found. You can use google too, don't take my word for it that the stories are out there. The more I learn the worse my opinion gets of Wodent, why it doesn't affect you the same way I don't know.

By contrast, I could only find ONE report of an animal being injured on my old wheels, and it was a ferret. I still threw them all away and bought Stealth Wheels - but that's me.

If you risk keeping your animals on Wodent Wheels that is your business, but it does bother me that you seemingly are discouraging others from buying a safer wheel by both giving them your testimonial and trying to shoot holes in the stories others have posted all over the internet that indicate there's a problem.

If the only leg you have to stand on is that you haven't been shown VISUAL PROOF that's pretty sad for your animals. Why would people from all over just make this stuff up? You think EVERYONE jumped to the wrong conclusion? If someone DID report it to the manufacturer, do you really think they'd publicize it?

Maybe you think bad things only happen to "other people" - or you have a seriously bad case of denial - and you have been lucky so far, I just hope for your glider's sakes it doesn't run out one day and they get hurt.

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Originally posted by dooney

I know at least 6 people that have had a tail ripped off by a wodent wheel

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Any facts to support this statement?

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Originally posted by okusandman


I am just posting things I found. You can use google too, don't take my word for it that the stories are out there. The more I learn the worse my opinion gets of Wodent, why it doesn't affect you the same way I don't know.

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Um, I don't need to take your word for anything. I am well aware that the stories are out there. I've been on here since 2007. I've only recently seen this onslaught of issues. I heard of a random one here and there before, but nothing like is happening now.

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If you risk keeping your animals on Wodent Wheels that is your business, but it does bother me that you seemingly are discouraging others from buying a safer wheel by both giving them your testimonial and trying to shoot holes in the stories others have posted all over the internet that indicate there's a problem.

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It bothers me that you ASSUME I'm discouraging others from buying a safer wheel. What testimonial of mine, exactly? That I own them? MMmmk. Pretty sure I also said I own a Stealth and a Raptor. I guess that's a testimonial for them as well then. Show me one place I tried to shoot holes in ANY story? I asked if anyone had documentation TO TAKE TO THE MANIUFACTURER. So sorry. I apologize they won't "take your word for it" if you go to them with these accusations. It's that simple.

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If the only leg you have to stand on is that you haven't been shown VISUAL PROOF that's pretty sad for your animals. Why would people from all over just make this stuff up? You think EVERYONE jumped to the wrong conclusion? If someone DID report it to the manufacturer, do you really think they'd publicize it?

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What leg am I trying to stand on exactly? Do tell me because I have ZERO clue as to what you even mean by that. I NEVER SAID ANYONE MADE ANYTHING UP! Either you don't read or you don't comprehend. If there were documented proof, they wouldn't have to publicize it themselves! Seems like you'd want to see them quit making something if everyone agrees they're dangerous, no?

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Maybe you think bad things only happen to "other people" - or you have a seriously bad case of denial - and you have been lucky so far, I just hope for your glider's sakes it doesn't run out one day and they get hurt.

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What is God's name are you talking about?! Denial over what? I never once said this was NOT happening. I never said it WASN'T true. I never said "to hell with you all, I'm sticking with Wodent Wheels no matter what". Thank you for your ongoing concern for the health of my gliders.

What is wrong with you??

Here is the post from the thread you referenced:

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I had the same wheel in my male had got haung up in it to were i took him to the vet in they cut the wheel apart to get his hand out in the vet said if he did anymore movement it would of broke his hand really bad so as soon as we got home i trough the wheel out in i ask my vet she told me a open wheel wih no cover would be best cuase that wheel put together with string in the middle in thats what his hand sliped under it was to tight on him in they wrap it up after they got him free so it could heel. I was scared cause i didnt know what to so i just took him in hop in the car in went staright to my vet.He was crying all the way there in trying to keep him still was hard cause he wanted free he just kept trying to pull his hand out of it so i held him tight in close to my chest so he wouldnt feel alone

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I've never known a Wodent Wheel to be put together with string in the middle. Can someone tell me if that is at least accurate? I've taken mine apart a thousand times and have yet to see any type of string that could get wrapped around a hand. Sue me for wanting to know for sure this was actually a Wodent Wheel based on the description. You also wouldn't have to cut a Wodent apart to get the top off. These kind of accounts are what makes me question whether or not it was a Wodent. I'm sorry you can't understand that.

Just in case, let me repeat AGAIN. I am not saying the Wodent Wheel did not do this or that they don't cause injuries!

It still blows my mind that anyone thinks I'm unreasonable for asking for proof that could be provided to the manufacturer. Instead, you'd rather they keep making them and you think the random "warnings" on sugar glider forums is enough if this kind of damage is happening?! I don't think I'm the unreasonable one here.

Woah....well to the op we have a few posts in the archives that involve wodent wheels and injuries speculated to be caused by them.

Personally, I don't use one. For my original gliders it worked but when my older re-home came the first thing she did in the cage once we got home was hop on the wodent. She had never had one before because her previous owner didn't like them. Immediately the base of her tail started hitting the crossbar repeatedly and then her daughter jumped in, i was extremely uncomfortable seeing her tail curl around that bar as her daughter kept running and her being unable to get a footing again. Luckily her tail didn't stick to the bar, I took it out, rather safe than sorry.

I had the same wheel in my male had got haung up in it to were i took him to the vet in they cut the wheel apart to get his hand out in the vet said if he did anymore movement it would of broke his hand really bad. so as soon as we got home i trough the wheel out in i ask my vet she told me a open wheel with no cover would be best cause that wheel put together with string in the middle in thats what his hand sliped under it was to tight on him in they wrap it up after they got him free so it could heel. I was scared cause i didnt know what to so i just took him in hop in the car in went staright to my vet.He was crying all the way there in trying to keep him still was hard cause he wanted free he just kept trying to pull his hand out of it so i held him tight in close to my chest so he wouldnt feel alone. This was my glider in i had a hard plastic wodent wheel i didnt think they had string either but when he got haung in it thats when i find out.My friend has one and hers was made different than the one i had but im still not using them i order the stealth wheels for mine in i love them.but just cause mine got hurt dosent mean yours will.If i was you just keep a eye out when they are playing on them.

I just dont see the reason in getting one when theres so many better ones out there. Gliders jump or leap more-so than run...the wodent wheel does not allow this. Here is a video of how suggies 'run' in slow-mo. I suggest a raptor (what i have), stealth, or a custom cruiser.

Heres the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1V91ze6dvs

nolaglider you know that video is from Kazko right?

Wodent wheels are FINE. They are not the best IMO, but they are reasonably safe.

If your in the market for a new wheel I would get a custom cruiser, stealth or raptor, just because they dont hold urine and feces. But if you allready own a wodent its fine to use, you've just got to pay a little closer atention to detail when cleaning and assembling the wheel. Using the tail guard and the clip that connects the ends of the track is a must though!

Ive only heard one story of a injury with a wodent wheel, with no pictures or documentation to prove it.

I just ordered a Stealth Wheel and have already removed my Glider's Wodent Wheel from her cage. A couple days ago her tail started thinning in one particular spot. I figured she was overgrooming.

Tonight I was watching her and I noticed that she was holding her tail in the same spot that is going bald. I observed her a few minutes and noticed that she was only doing this when she ran on her wheel. However, she loves her wheel and uses it all the time. Eah time she got back in her Wodent Wheel, she grabbed her tail again. Either she is afraid of i getting caught and is holding it and thus rubbing the hair off, or she was getting it caught and started holding it to protect it.

I pulled her Wodent Wheel out to inspect it, and noticed that there was hair stuck in it, especially around the axle. I cleaned the wheel just this last Friday. I noticed a little hair in it then...but nothing like what is in it today. I then came online to search for information and found this thread.

I am not chancing it. I feel bad that she has to go without a wheel for a few days, but I am afraid something worse will happen to her tail if I don't. Besides, if you have ever taken a Wodent Wheel apart to clean it, then you know the construction is very flimsy. The sides pop off super easy. It is no wonder that more hands & fingers don't get broken in it.

That's my two cents.

Dangerous or not the other wheels just look like more fun & room to jump around.

How many millions of kids rode bikes without helmets, and were never injured. Didn't mean that it wasn't dangerous. I don't need a picture of some kid's head splattered on the sidewalk like a pumpkin to convince me that there is a danger.

I personally do not want to see some gruesome picture of a gliders tail that has been ripped off.

Even if someone sends a picture to the manufacturer it is doubtful that will cause them to stop producing the wheels. Especially a person that was not directly affected. They make money on them. Probably the most they would do would be to offer to pay Vet bills, but most likely not even that since they wouldn't want to assume responsibility. They could just claim that the wheel was not cleaned or maintained properly, or that it was just a freak accident.

All it took for me to get rid of my Wodent Wheels was one posting. It's not worth the risk for me.