They make some larger (13") globes. Would they be safe? I've seen this go both ways and want to get some more options on them. If anyone has any bad experiences please let me know. (mods if this isn't in the appropriate forum please move it thanks in advance)

I hope you get some pros/cons.

I have heard people say their gliders love theirs.

There have been some gliders that love their balls but....they need some slight modifications to be safe.

First, the holes in them need to all be filed as the edges on the holes can be very sharp and potentially cut little toes.

Also, using them on carpet can be a danger if the glider's nails happen to snag on the carpet. Stairs are a hazzard too.

They should be used only under supervision and only for short times as the glider has no way to get to water if needed.

They have "hygene" issues too as gliders will pee/poop while playing/running and there is no where for it to go in the enclosed ball.

Personally, I won't use them.

Yes, I can just imagine pee being an issue... I remember my girl hamster when I had her would fill it with pee... Then it would be all over her along with my carpet. I always had to take a rag and wipe her down. Always made me think ... man they sure pee a lot for such a little animal. LOL

i let my suggie go pee and poo before letting her in her ball she loves it and she thinks she is invincable when shes in it lol

What about the hamster cars? Would those be safer for them?

Aren't hamster cars the same thing... Just a ball on top of a car?
If it isn't I'd love to know what it is... sounds fun. LOL

Yeah but they only go back and forth. They don't go all over the place like a ball. Here's one, http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753277

I was thinking extremely short time limits and oh course very supervised. Maybe line the slots with plastic window screen so there won't be a chance for caught toes and or claws? Ideas?

I think you likely COULD use this but... why? What is the reasoning? Are you afraid she'll leave you if out in the open thus causing issues? Safety and recollection issues?

I don't think it's really ideal. If you want your suggie to be able to be out and be safe but not necessarily on you, you might consider just getting a little tent. Popups are great. If you don't have much space you can get a smaller one. You can also get in there with them and it's an excellent way to guage your suggies' personalities and bond at the same time. Plus, I know my suggies LOVE tent time. When I first got Carmella I got one of these balls because I was SO unfamiliar with what she might do. After a couple tent time sessions I realized she wouldn't be scurrying away from me too quickly if she did for some reason jump off.

HTH

the hamster cars aren't recommended because they're so tiny and it makes the glider cramped

Personally I wouldnt use them for the same reasons that Dancing mentioned, but also the fact that their nails or toes could get caught in the slots and get torn or broken. Not something "I" want to take a chance with happening.

My boys love to run in their balls, but now after the good points here I am not sure if i want to let that continue, but I suppose we always worry so much about our angels, we can worry about ANYTHING . I only let them run in their balls for a short time supervised but now i think i might just err on caution's side.

I use the balls on occasion and only under supervision and for short periods of time. they actually love them. my Mommy will climb into it if I show it to her and there are times she wont leave it. she chases the cat in it! I agree on the supervision and stay away from shag carpets. Mine go on that really short carpet or hardfloors. I usually put them in after they had tent time and had plenty of time to pee or poop. They just like to explore the floor in them. I use the larger size balls and have not yet had a problem. The fact that they pee or poop in them is not a whole lot different than them peeing or pooping in their cages or wodent wheels, and possibly walking on it so no problem there in my eyes. I clean the balls after every use and the gliders have never once come out of them "soiled". I like them...just another way to stimulate their intelligent mind and give them something different to do once in a while. they have even come to me when called or when they want to climb up on me then I take them out.

There are many of us who have been to past SGGA's that have seen one of the happiest gliders ever and she LOVED to zoom all over the conference in her ball. I know the only time I used one it seemed to stress out my glider. After considering the potential dangers, I decided against using them and gave it to someone with a pet rat.

They are, in theory, a great idea. Your glider would get to run around and play without the risk of getting lost under a couch... however, if you develop a strong enough bond with your suggie (and glider-proof your house ) you shouldn't need a ball.

Dancing brought up a good point... at the SGGA it is fairly difficult to let your glider stretch his/her legs especially if your bond is not that great... in this case I would say a modified ball would be useful (for short periods of time and only if your little one enjoys it of course)

HTS

I'm working toward that bond, and she will come to me if she dose jump off. her previous owner included a globe with her and said she enjoyed it. she likes to chase the cats around in it

My girl, Troi, LOVED hers...until I took her to the vet for the deep gashes on the palms of both front hands across where the thumbs attached that she nearly lost (and never showed a sign of discomfort) from them slipping through the slots as she ran. IMO they are dangerous for gliders. Mine went in the trash at that point.

That's all I need to hear!

Like wise it certainly sounds too risky. for the info everyone.

If those holes are filled how will there be sufficient airflow or circulation?

Not FILL the holes, FILE the holes so they aren't sharp.

Ooh, I misread! oops! Thanks for the correction.

What could I use to fill the holes with? You could put netting(mesh over them) but, you couldn't "fill" the holes with something.