Last night the hamsters wheel was horrendous I found myself oiling it at 4am half asleep - now I am a little concerned as I noticed the hamsters eagerly licking the wheel this morning - its not dangerous to them is it? I am aware it might affect their toileting a little :gag:

I wouldn't think that vegetable oil is likely to be dangerous to small animals- after all, most of the oil comes from rape, sunflowers and the like, all of which can be in hammy mix.

It's not like you've put a bowl of it out for them to drink or sprayed the wheel with WD40 or mineral oil, is it?

well no, I only smeared a little around the wheel axel where the squeaks seemed to be coming from!

I've often put a little olive oil around all mine and they have never come to any harm :)

Well I must say it worked a treat, I actually got a night sleep! For some reason the wheel has suddenly making noises so loud I find myself waking everynight - the sound resembles a group of chickens in my room!

Can I suggest you get a silent spinner wheel? It was a life saver in our house - got to the stage where it was either me or the hamster. They are expensive for a wheel but blummin marvelous :D

Only if he whizzes round to fast for his little legs.

I got them a new silent wheel, trouble is they were so excited they now fight over it so I hear them squeaking now and then, I cant really oil them up....ah well!

its not dangerous but my monster hamster gets bad poo when he licks his wheel coz i had put veggie oil on...lol