Curiosity: Why can't Chins have plastic wheels?

[Christemo]

Is it for the chewing factor?
(I don't have one, just curious.)

 

[Gabby88]

For the same reason they can't have plastic cages, shelves, igloos, etc. They could chew it and ingesting the plastic is potentially fatal. It's not worth the risk.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

Because the chin can chew the wheel and it can become impacted in its intestines.

 

[Tagna]

Not to mention those plastic wheels are usually way too small.

 

[Christemo]

All makes sense now.
Chins. Rodents. Rodents. Chewing. Plastic. Chewing. Bad.

Just ignore me... sinus infection haze over here.

 

[ChinnyMom]

and plastic wheels are not tough enough to withstand the abuse of a running chin, lol.

 

[greychins]

and plastic wheels are not tough enough to withstand the abuse of a running chin, lol.

Heck, some of the metal wheels can't stand the abuse - I've had to replace bearings for chin spins before... plastic definititely can't withstand that type of abuse.

 

[ticklechin]

I bought one years ago for a temp cage, the chin broke the wheel off the axel and was trapped under it.

 

[Godofgods]

the dangers of chewing aside, When i first took my guy in, he came with a plastic wheel that he used. Aside form being a bit to small for their figure, in order for something to spin, it has to move! So you end up with plastic grinding against plastic. Which turned it into a fine plastic dust.
So I could spent 10-20 a month on a plastic one along with all the hazardous factors that came with it, or I could get a metal one, once and be set for life! I chose metal!

 

[Cuddlebug]

I had the same thing happen that happened to ticklechin. I have since learned and use the better option.