Gerbils not using wheel...

[tripleb]

My daughter brought home two beautiful gerbils (Maxine and Clover) this past Monday night.  In their cage we put a 6 1/2" silent spinner wheel. 

We have yet to see them use it.  We have seen one of them get in it but have seen neither one of them actually use the wheel.  We've put morsels of food in there to get them in it but they just take the food out and eat it.

Should there be any reason for concern? (ie: over the fact they don't seem to be getting as much exercise as they should)

Any ideas on how we should go about trying to get them to use their wheel?

Thank you for your help.

TripleB

[vexorg]

You can rarely get them to do anything they don't want.

[PurpleSheep]

Not all gerbils like wheels - they are not like hamsters who need a wheel, it's more of an optional toy for them. Digging and chewing (ie lots of substrate and cardboard) are far more important for them.

Of the five gerbils we've had, only two ever used/use the wheel. I've also heard that if they don't learn to use the wheel from a young age, they won't figure it out as adults. You could just leave the wheel in until they figure it out, or take it out if they definitely don't know what to do with it.

They'll need time out of the cage regardless of whether they have a wheel, so they can get their exercise then, and it's also great for taming time.

[vexorg]

Ours are more likely to throw the wheel around the cage when you watch them play with toys

[benster]

ya many will say it too not all gerbils like wheels or use it as such....my tow girls will play under and over the wheel or use it as an viewing spot...or fill it with bedding and then nap in it lol

I tried three diferent models and always same result lol even tried a flat wheel and still no dice lol

so yamore then normal

[the_gerbilpetsworld]

Why Doesn't My Gerbil Use It's Wheel?
This is a question that most people ask. Well there are several reasons why your/a gerbil doesn't use it's wheel. First is that some gerbils like wheels and others don't. This is not your fault it doesn't mean you are looking after them wrong. Other gerbils just like doing other things instead. For example if they come out regularly with plenty of exercise they might not use it because of their regular exercise but you should have a wheel in their cage or tank as well. Third might be the most obvious one. They might use it when your not around or when your asleep. If it is silent you won't be able to hear it. The last possible reason is that they may not like the wheel or they may not feel safe in their wheel. For example; The wheel may be to small, the size it should be for gerbils are 6.5"+. Another example is that. The wire mesh wheels are dangerous for gerbils. If you would like more info on types of wheels then check out my Group on facebook link is in my signature.
Hope I helped
PetMad15