Wheel for chin without knowing exact age?

[ReneeM]

My rescue, Moshi, was estimated to be 2-3 months old when I got him. There is no way he is that young. He weighs in at 500 grams right now. He isn't much smaller than my boy who will be a year old this month. I was wondering, without knowing his exact age, if it would be appropriate to let him have a wheel? He is a super active little guy, he seems to have a ton of energy to burn.

 

[Roni Jasper]

When I asked my vet about that (years ago) he said once my chin was over 400 I could get a wheel for her. So, unless standards have changed over the last 10 years you should be good.

 

[Brittany]

The rule of thumb is 6 months old because you don't want them using up too many calories that they need for growing. I don't know who told you 2 - 3 months old, but there is no way to estimate a chins age, unlike dogs, horses, and other animals. Regardless of his real age I would be concerned that a rescue would need some time to adjust to your home, the food you're feeding, and put on some weight if they're underweight for their skeletal structure. If it was me I would give him several months before giving him a wheel.

I took in a rescue last May. Her new mom just facebooked me this week saying she was still putting weight on. She was in the 500g range when I got her, and this week she's up to 793g (Yay Willow for those of you who remember her).

Additionally I have a 7 month old from a great breeder. He's had some issues with weight, and even though we're moving in the right direction he's not going to be ready for a wheel for a long time.

I guess my point is don't push it just for your own enjoyment. Give him time, time won't hurt him, but giving the wheel too soon could set him back.

 

[ReneeM]

Thank you for the information. I won't get him a wheel. I just wasn't sure.