One of my rats died because of the exercise wheel.

This is why when I keep them I just keep them in a smallish container with food, water, and a hide. I let them keep eachother company and, while there isnt much space, it's dark and usually quiet. No wheels or anything that they could get injured on, just the things they need to survive.

But I don't breed, so whatever.

I agree with Mike, I think the benefits far outweigh the risk. So, I had an extra wheel lying around. It was a small size so I didn't use it. I put it in there to encourage the little ones to use it while the big ones go on the other wheel. It is that multi-colored wheel which is flimsier than the chrome colored one, so I was able to pull the wheel posts a little farther from the wheel. I couldn't do it to the chrome one - it is very much sturdier and even if I could bend it, it is too close to the ground that bending it would probably cause the wheel to touch the floor. I'll wait and see if this problem re-occurs. Hopefully not! I really love these little buggers! I guess that's an unforeseen benefit of owning a hognose who eats only p/k.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have seen the silent wheels at PetSmart and think they would be good, but you would have to clean them. I try to have one extra of everything so that when things get dirty, i transfer all of the rats to the clean tub. then i let the dirty stuff soak in a very very mild bleach solution.

Sorry about your loss with the rat. Try thinning out the crowd and give them plenty of things to hide in, like paper towel and toilet paper tubes, things to munch on and gnaw and keep them busy so you don't get 6-7 rats trying to run at the same time.

Mine only really pile on like that right after I clean their tubs, which shows me they are stressed and trying to "run" away that stress.

I've kept wheels from breeders and grow ups successfully, but it takes more work to keep them busy with other things to avoid problems. My breeders seem to really not care one way or the other, since they are usually too busy taking care of babies, but the grow ups are a pile of trouble and need a lot to do as they mature to feeding size. :P

I have 27 ASF in one tub They have two hides anything i can give them to chew on and two wheels. I also have breeders in 4 other tubs with wheels. I got one of those silent spinners and I hated that thing I would have to clean it twice a day to keep it clean.

I know 27 in one tub is too many I need to build a second grow out tub.

I am sorry about the loss you suffered. I hang my wheels from the lid and I have not had any problems. I had one incident that was very minor, I have not noticed any more issues since hanging them up.