How to Attach a Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel to a Cage

The Flying Saucer chinchilla exercise wheel is one of the most popular choices for owners who want their chinchillas to get in-cage exercise without danger. Conventional slatted wheels can trap feet, legs and heads and can even kill a chinchilla. The Flying Saucer is a solid metal wheel that removes this danger while still allowing chinchillas to run without trouble. Installing it can be tricky if you're used to a standard-style wheel.

Things You'll Need

  • Chinchilla cage
  • Flying Saucer exercise wheel with mounting hardware
  • Hex wrench
  • Drill (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where to mount your Flying Saucer. Place the wall bracket inside the cage. Slide the wheel onto the axle, and hold the entire assembly against the cage wall. This allows you to check for clearance for the wheel. There should be at least 2 inches of space on all sides of the Flying Saucer. Mark the position of the bracket on the wall of the cage. Disassemble the bracket and wheel.

    • 2

      Mount the wall bracket. Hold the bracket in the marked position, and secure it with the three included U-bolts. If you have a cage with solid walls, drill 1/4-inch holes to mount the U-bolts. Make sure that the horizontal leg of the bracket is at least 2 inches above the cage bottom to prevent injury.

    • 3

      Determine collar position. Slip the lower collar onto the axle, then slide the wheel on. Slip the upper collar on top. Position the upper collar flush with the top of the axle. Secure it with a hex wrench. Slide the lower collar and wheel so that the wheel touches the upper collar. Secure the lower collar with a hex wrench to keep the wheel in place.

    • 4

      Test the Flying Saucer. Spin the wheel with your hand to make sure that there are no obstructions and that it moves easily. If you encounter problems, remount the Flying Saucer.