Dwarf hamster flinging out of his wheel-worried about him!

[SistemaAddict]

Lovely little guy was left in the doorstep my delightful ex as it belongs to dd and she wanted the hamster here with her. I know nothing about hamsters but he assured me he'd brought everything we'd need and I figured dd knew how to look after him as she's had him a few months. Hmmm. Cue lots of googling.
Little guy seems quite happy but is flinging himself out of his wheel. He doesn't seem to mind and lands on the thick layer of soft hay and bedding stuff at the bottom of the cage. The wheel is on the bottom level. He gets straight back on the wheel and carries on on the road to nowhere.
Is this normal behaviour?? He's eating fine, drinking, has become tamer over the past few days and seems to show off a little and doesn't bother with our borrowed cat who eyes him up like he's supper.

Many thanks.

As, goes really really fast and then just sort of runs off/gets semi catapulted off in a way which looks like the sound effect should be “splat”? Mine used to do that too, seemed fine.

Yes! Sometimes he does it more than others as though it's his favourite game. He can control the wheel well so I'm starting to think this is his fun because we all laugh as it's hilarious but I'm worried he'll hurt himself. He's very cute and very noisy in that wheel at night but dd won't let me put his cage in a different room at night. The cat has been banished at nighttime now so isn't happy with us. I think exH was only too glad to give him to us but I'm happy he did as we love the tiny little flipper

It's very common. Assuming he always lands on the soft stuff then I'd leave him to it.

This is common with dwarf hamsters, especially with the smaller wheels.

My dwarf hamster has a Trixie wheel (link below) It's an enclosed design so prevents her being flung out. It comes in two sizes, and it's the 20cm one you need for a dwarf hamster.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Solid-Plastic-Hamster-Exercise-Wheel-With-Stand-20-cm-8-By-Trixie-NEW/293339989528

Thank you. Is the wheel quiet? The one we have is attached to the cage and rattles as he's so speedy.

It isn't silent, but I don't find it very loud. It can attach to the cage, but also has a stand which I think may be quieter.

I remember watching a hamster in Pets at Home doing that. It was one of those spinning wheels that look like an upside down Frisbee. He/she seemed to be having a great time. I could totally imagine the little hamster going "wheee" everytime. The hamster's companion had a look of "ffs I am trying to sleep".

Dwarf hamsters love doing that. My daughter had one and it did it all the time.

Little bugger won't do it if I try and film him though. Such a spoil sport.