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Originally Posted by Serendipity7000
Your next hamster may not bite the bars on the detolf, so don't worry. The main thing is have the cage set up so the hamster feels secure - with plenty of enrichment. They sometimes bar chew if they don't feel safe and can't hide anywhere - as if wanting to escape.
A large cage like that is great but sometimes people don't have enough "cover" in it and it can feel a bit exposed. A large house that's dark inside helps - the hamster has somewhere to retreat to that's dark, when needed, and build a large nest in. Different levels in the cage break up the large open space into interesting areas. I think it's essential to have a shelf/platform as well as a house that's dark inside. That gives some "overhead cover" - something they can sit under so they feel secure out in the open. Large floor tunnels can also be good - eg the large cork log tunnels - the fill a large floor area, make a nice dark tunnel and interesting texture to climb over - they're light so don't sink into the substrate.
You could even have one end as really deep substrate, like a digging end, which makes the rest feel cosier. Google "Hamster detolf" and select images, for some ideas - there are a few German set ups come up which have loads of enrichment. It doesn't have to be all "natural" but there are lots of ideas out there to make the space into an interesting habitat.
If your new hamster does start to chew the bars in the detolf, one solution is to wrap sisal string round all the bars, which covers them. The hamster may still chew but their teeth won't get damaged and they may give up when the bars are covered in sisal. Plus it would take some chewing through.
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I always put out at least two different hides in the cage, always with dark enclosures, so I don't think that's the issue. But the shelves and levels sounds like a good idea. I did have things like bendy bridges that he used to sit high up on and under. Larger tunnels is definitely something I wanted to purchase but just could never find at the pet stores, maybe I should start looking online? The sisal sting idea sounds really good. Thanks so much for the advice!
