Question:
Those of you who have a Flying Saucer wheel will know that the chinnies get really black feet from running (especially if they are chronic runners). Now that I have my nice, shiny, melamine cage, I have noticed that the middle floor is constantly dirty. Their little black paws have made marks everywhere. I wipe the wheel, floor and walls down everyday but is there an easier way to do this?


Answer:
Hmmm...you know...I think that may be a question to pose to the makers of the wheel? See if this has been a problem they have had complaints about and what they would suggest to clean the wheel and floor with.
It sounds kind of funny...dirty little feet...but I imagine it is pretty annoying having to clean it up all the time. Especially on a nice clean white cage.


Answer:
I think it's from the oxidation of the aluminum.


Answer:
wow.. thats a bummer.. I could just imagine little paw prints everywhere... hehe.. at least if they got out in the middle of the night you could catch the little culprits.. hehe


Answer:
They are actually made out of galvanized steel but yes it is caused by oxidation.
I know that cleaning with a strong vinegar solution should help but it would have to be done periodically.


Answer:
Candice, I sent Meadowbrook Chinchillas an email explaining your dilema and asking if they might know of something that might help...


Answer:
Thanks Pam and Pam (Hmmm, we might have to name you two like we did the Lisas).
Right now, I am using the Clorox wipes and they do a great job of taking the marks off. I will try vinegar though...how strong should the solution be?


Answer:
Until I hear of anything different from Meadowbrook, I'd mix the vinegar real strong... even try 1:1 with water and use that just on the top surface of the wheel, just where they are running, avoiding the bearings though. Rinse it off well. and then dry it off. I hope it helps. You are trying to break down the coating that is on the galvanized steel and once it is gone I think the balck stuff should start to go away. I have used this when trying to get the coating off galvanized cage wire.
It might take quite a few applications.


Answer:
Yep, I was going to suggest the vinegar too. I no longer have this problem. I did it about 1:1 a couple times a week for the first couple of weeks and haven't needed to since.


Answer:
I had the same problem with our flying saucer when it was new. After about a month of cleaning it off on a daily basis it stopped turning the chins feet black