Sorry but not sure about taking the wheel out.( Not saying you arent right) Hedgies can travel miles of a night and I am scared he will start pacing in frustration if he cant use his wheel. Surely if no wheel is provided then the Hedgie should have a huge enclosure with wood bark and logs etc so it can exercise its natural instincts to snuffle and hunt.I find Elvis doesnt smell. I clean his wheel every day and scoop out any soiled litter in his corner the wheel stands in every day.

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1 Blue Tongue OZZY
1 Uromastyx BRUCE
3 Oscillated Skinks
12 assorted dogs
15 assorted cats
2 African Pygmy Hedgehog(Elvis & Evie)