Anybody have data / opinions on Wheels???

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Exersize wheels: I have been using exersize wheels for a while but I am starting to wonder.

I don't think they are hurting reproduction.... but also don't think they are helping.

I am about to increase my number of breeding groups to keep up with demand to 24 - 1.3 breeder enclosures total. While the wheels aren't too hard to keep up with, they are definately an expense, and something else to keep up with.

I have a group that should have reproduced over a month ago but still is not pregnant. I had not observed any mating. I removed their wheel 2 days ago and last night he was taking care of business big time. Did it have anything to do with the wheel??? who knows.

I am just curious to know if there is any researched info on this subject.... I am also looking for individual opinions.

How much benefit is there to providing wheels? Does it increase / decrease reproduction rate? Does it effect overall health good or bad?

[mooingtricycle]

i use wheels and no issues with the whole breeding thing with my original group. My second group is getting up to size now and it helps to keep down chewing as well since they arent left bored. They use the things ALL the time!

[littleindiangirl]

I'm on the line whether or not to leave a wheel with my breeding groups. As far as I can tell, only the fathers really use the wheel often. The females are usually busy enough with babies to not really worry about using a wheel.

I wouldnt take it from the holding bins, I think they need them to keep from chewing out or eating each other lol.

[Beardedragon]

I do not use a wheel, and so far ive got two trios bulking up from their first breeding and no chewing on the wood or tubs. they hide more than anything even at night so I do not use them, but seeing how ive only had them a few weeks i cannot add to much to this

[frankykeno]

I provide wheels to all the groups, breeder, feeders, growing out tanks, etc. I can say I've observed the male waiting for a female to hop off the wheel or catching her while she's eating to mate her. Since ASF's like to do a bit of a chase as part of their mating rituals, in my opinion, having the wheel doesn't impede that. From the amount of litters and big waddling female ASF's I've got, wheel or not, the boys are getting the job done.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

My ASF have a wheel in their tub and I have babies every 3 to 4 weeks, if that helps.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I wouldnt take it from the holding bins, I think they need them to keep from chewing out or eating each other lol.

Yeah, definately not taking them out of the grow up tubs!!!

I know they will reproduce just fine WITH the wheels. I guess really my question is... Will removing the wheels from the breeding tanks have a negative effect in any way?

[frankykeno]

Well the only thing I can think of Mike is it gives them more exercise, something to do and I believe reduces stress in the colony. I have seen some of my dominant females who one minute are chasing and schooling the other females settle down and run the wheel with them the next minute. I think it may help distract from colony "politics" but that's just my take on this very social creature.

[FIREball]

No wheels at all, currently have 3 cements tubs for breeders and 3 for grow ups.

[frankykeno]

Anybody have data / opinions on Wheels???

Well I know man invented them and I'm pretty sure the idea has taken off pretty well.....

oh you meant exercise wheels!....

never mind....