What size tortoise wheel?

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I am considering getting Edward a tortoise wheel, but I worry about the dimensions as I worry that a wheel that is too small could be unhealthy as far as walking posture goes.

What size would you recommend/are using? (wheel diameter and the walking depth)

I am prepared to DIY since the biggest ones that I have found thus far have a diameter of 40 cm and a walking depth of 16 cm (they are made for hedgehogs).

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Edwards SCL is about 11 cm (4.331 inches), the width of his shell is 10 cm (3.937 inches) and the width of his stride measures about 13 cm (5.118 inches). He weighs about 500 grams.

If I go the DIY route I plan on lining the wheel with some cork fabric I already have and using a large barrel/bucket of some sort for the wheel itself, as I have found instructions for constructing a wheel for hedgehogs.

My question is, what kind of plastic is safe? I have been looking at three different types:

1. 80-liter bucket. Diameter: 50 cm (19.685 inches) Material: recycled polypropylene.
2. Round construction bucket, 90 liters. Diameter: 62 cm (24.409 inches), Material: Made from LPDE plastic (polyethylene) derived from recycled plastic
3. Round mortar tub, 90 liters. Diameter: 65 cm (25,590 inches), Material: polypropylene recycling

The first one might be too small, but it says that it is for both indoor and outdoor use and can stand up to temps up to 65 C (149 F). which would totally be in the safe zone I guess. My worry is the combined effect of the UVB and the heat lamp wearing down the plastic.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Commenting to follow along here, did you decide to have a go at building one?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Not yet, since I haven't found decisive info on the size. If the 62 cm diameter isn't enough, I will probably have to skip it.

When I remember, I will post the instructions I have been looking at. I have found instructions for making a hedgehog wheel and plan on modifying based on them.

 

[Cyclone]

Im currently using one which has diameter of 32cm, runway width 13.2cm. What i like is the rotation recording device which tells me how many rotation it has completed per day, and can keep the daily rotation memory for 9 or 10 days.
In this picture, the tortoise has width of 11cm, scl 13.2cm. I find they more likely outgrow the width first prior to being too big for the wheel’s diameter.
And yes, the tortoise enjoy the wheel very much, some days can be as little as 0 rotation, whilst we have reached 600 rotation on some days.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Im currently using one which has diameter of 32cm, runway width 13.2cm. What i like is the rotation recording device which tells me how many rotation it has completed per day, and can keep the daily rotation memory for 9 or 10 days.
In this picture, the tortoise has width of 11cm, scl 13.2cm. I find they more likely outgrow the width first prior to being too big for the wheel’s diameter.
And yes, the tortoise enjoy the wheel very much, some days can be as little as 0 rotation, whilst we have reached 600 rotation on some days.

I have an adult male russian and don't expect him to grow much anymore, so I wish that I could be able to make the wheel big enough so that he won't outgrow it. His SCL is 11 cm and the width of his shell is 10 cm. Have you ever tried to measure the width of your tortoises stride?

 

[Cyclone]

I have an adult male russian and don't expect him to grow much anymore, so I wish that I could be able to make the wheel big enough so that he won't outgrow it. His SCL is 11 cm and the width of his shell is 10 cm. Have you ever tried to measure the width of your tortoises stride?

I am assuming when you say the width of its stride, you are measuring how far apart the left and right foot are, when it is walking? I did not specifically measure, but from the video, at 11cm width (shell), i could estimate the left and right hand to be around 12.5cm apart, whereas the hind feet perhaps 11cm apart, due to the ample room in the 13.5 strip runway. it could walk zig zag in the runway, going slightly left and right like it was sightseeing, instead of in a straight line.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Probably, you are aware of this thread: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/tortoise-wheel-an-unexpected-success.211380/page-2#post-2102326 - wheel size there is 5xSCL in diameter. Looks fine.

I'm afraid, there is no medical data (or even long-term anecdotic experience) about optimal wheel size or its effects on tortoise joints and spine.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Probably, you are aware of this thread: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/tortoise-wheel-an-unexpected-success.211380/page-2#post-2102326 - wheel size there is 5xSCL in diameter. Looks fine.

I'm afraid, there is no medical data (or even long-term anecdotic experience) about optimal wheel size or its effects on tortoise joints and spine.

I am familiar with the thread, but have somehow missed the ratio.

What could even be the possible risks (for example compared to mammals)?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I am familiar with the thread, but have somehow missed the ratio.

What could even be the possible risks (for example compared to mammals)?

I can only speculate that walking on hard surfaces can be harmful for joints in a long-term because of higher body density/mass and lack of anatomic adaptations (worse amortization). Risk of flipping is non-zero (however, neglible). Both points are manageable, though.