Ultimate Foraging Wheel for Rats

Heads up: Check out the remixes for slightly improved features! The latest, V3, emphasizes the ability to mount and unmount the wheel and cover. The write-up below is still super inspiring and provide a good overview.

This is my take on the classic cage mounted rodent and bird foraging wheel as seen online and in retail pet stores. There are many designs. This is mine!

Why re-design the wheel? I wanted one that performed well, was configurable, was easier to mount and easier to refill.

Performance 

This foraging wheel performs well, see it in action!

Configurable

Many covers and cases provide different experiences for the rats and style for your cage. 

Front Covers 

Hearts

Two-Hole

Bubbles

Cases

Standard

Double

Rear Cover

Mesh

Slotted

Cage Mounts

Critter Nation

Any Cage

Easy To Mount

Easy To Refill

See the video below for a demo of the refill process. This wheel can be removed from the cage by spinning the star knob two full rotations counter clockwise. After 5-ish more counter clockwise rotations - the star knob comes off and the cover can be removed. Then fill the inside with food & treats and replace the cover. Proceed to turn the star knob clockwise 5ish rotations to attach the cover, and press it against the mount and turn another two rotations to secure. Now it's ready to go again!

Print Instructions
 

Non-printable parts
A few non-printable parts are required
> One M5 20mm hex head bolt
> One M5 nut

Printable Parts
Print each of the following
> One Star Knob 
> One Front cover - ( bubbles, hearts, or two-hole )
> One Case ( single, or double ring )
> One Rear Cover ( mesh or slotted )
> One Mount Adapter ( standard *1 part* or critter-nation *2 parts* )

Printable Parts : Settings
All parts were printed in PLA on an A1 mini with a .4mm nozzle with a .16mm layer height

Special Slicer Settings - The following parts required special settings
> Case - support required
> Rear Cover - Mesh - set extrusion line width to .34mm for the default, inner layer, and outer wall. This allows the slicer to create the mesh grill
> Mount Adapters - Critter nation adapter - supports required, for both parts, print the inside part on an incline with raft
> Mount Adapters - General adapter - supports and raft required, print on incline

The mount adapters require an inclined orientation and rafts for strength and features.

Assembly
 

Here is an animation to show how the parts fit together.

Assembly Video

Here is a video of the wheel being assembled. 

If I left anything out, please leave a comment and I can elaborate. Otherwise, Have fun and happy printing! Cheers!