What does it mean when a hamster chews its cage?
Boredom – If there aren’t enough toys to play with or chew on, a hamster may begin bar chewing due to boredom. Hamsters need mental and physical stimulation just like other pets and if they are isolated to a small, rectangular cage with nothing to do they could resort to this activity.
What should I do if my hamster keeps chewing the bars?
If your hamster is chewing its bars, then the first thing to do is bring it out of its cage for some play time. Try increasing the frequency with which you play with your hamster for a while, and see if this reduces the bar-chewing behaviour. Another thing to try is to provide your hamster with something to chew.
How often should I bring my hamster out of his cage?
For the most part, your hamster will entertain themselves. However, lots of owners recommend that they are brought out of their cage and played with at least once every 24 hours. If your hamster is chewing its bars, then the first thing to do is bring it out of its cage for some play time.
Why does my hamster keep biting the bars of his cage?
If hamsters regularly chew bars, then they can suffer from problems such as broken teeth, misaligned teeth, and mouth and facial injuries. If your hamster keeps biting the bars of its cage, then there may be some things that you need to do to improve your pet’s life.
What’s the best way to feed a hamster?
Hamsters in the wild spend a lot of time searching for food. Making them work for their meal is a great way to keep them occupied and stop them getting bored. You can try things like: Scattering some of their food pellets around their cage instead of feeding them from a bowl.
Is it bad for a hamster to chew on a cage?
While chewing is good, chewing metal cage bars is bad for your furry friend. Check out our latest video! That’s because metal bars are harsh, and gnawing at them can cause damage to a hamster’s teeth, including broken and misaligned teeth. Pressing their face up close against the cage can also lead to the development of bald patches and sores.
What can I use to stop my hamster from chewing the bars?
Instead of using oil, you can pop to the pet shop and buy a bitter apple spray. When spraying it on the bars, remove your hamster from the cage, use cardboard to cover the inside of the cage to avoid spraying all over the cage. Don’t spray on the bedding, toys, water bowl, or anything apart from the cage.
Biting the bars doesn’t mean your hamster isn’t happy in her home. For some hamsters, it’s just a favorite pastime. It can simply be an expression of youthful energy. Some chew them in their sleep, or dash to their cages during playtime and try chewing their way in. It’s not just an attempt to get out.
Can a hamster chew on a tree branch?
Hamsters can chew on wood or a tree branch, but if you are bringing wood or tree branch from outside, they might be carrying insects or unsanitary organisms that can harm your hamster or infect the hamster cage.
