Hamster wants to escape!

[Allys Hamsters]

I've found the cause for May's (my Syrian's) bar chewing, it was because she wants to escape. She has plenty of toys and is very friendly, but doesn't like being picked up much or taking/eating treats I've given her. I was wondering if changing around her toys may be a good idea? But it would be nice to see if anyone had a suggestion of trying to stop her wanting to escape. I know must hamsters like escaping but she's trying to chew her way out of her cage.

[candice clews]

My snowy chews bars a lot but it doesn't mean to say she is trying to escape! I feed cardboard through the bars for her to chew on instead! Its because she's bored or if like my snowy likes doing it for the fun of it!

[Allys Hamsters]

Thanks I think I might try her with that tonight.

[racinghamster]

Hi Ally, what cage is she in? Is it a large cage? Sometimes Syrians just get wired into bar chewing and it can be frustrating for you and for her. She may be liking getting out for long periods and then protesting when she`s put back! Is that what your finding? x

[Allys Hamsters]

I do try letting her out and she lives in 1m x Cm (LxW) except when she does have a run round she is very hard to find and pick up.

[Artisans_uk]

Originally Posted by Allys Hamsters

I do try letting her out and she lives in 1m x Cm (LxW) except when she does have a run round she is very hard to find and pick up.

Can you use a big box as a playpen so that she is contained or another type of playpen, then she won't be hard to find? You could use a large tube or a jar to transfer her back to her cage, she might be more relaxed with that method.

[Thin Lizzy]

I've used cardboard in the past and it does help. Make sure you've got loads.

[peasypea]

My Nelly is often chewing the bars. I let her run round my living room most evenings for a while so she can exercise and play, I now have her tank on the floor and put a ladder going to it so she just goes back in and out from time to time, if you can do that might make her easier to catch?

Nelly has so much other stuff to chew on but definitely cardboard is her favourite so I give her loo roll tubes cut into strips and made into a ball...if that makes sense? Think I got the idea from somewhere on this forum so have a look! Also I make little hanging egg box toys and she hang them from the top bars, she likes to chew on those. By that I mean I cut the egg box into its 6 little 'cups' and then put string between two halves facing each other? Then also hang that from the top and put some food inside. I don't have a picture which would make it obvious but if you want I'll try and get one tomorrow. Anyway both of those things keep her entertained for a while with chewing them apart!
I know it can be frustrating but also makes you feel bad as to why they want to escape but I think its just a part of hammy behaviour!