What does it mean

[Bethers]

I recently cleaned my hamsters cage for the first time after a month and he started climing his cage and chewing the bars that hes never done before.
Is that normal when you clean a hamsters cage?

[racinghamster]

Hi Bethers. Full cage cleans are not advised although many owners do it regardless. Removing everything and replacing it with fresh takes away your hamsters scent and sense of security in a way. Washing cage accessories should also only be done when necessary and not all at the same time. Spot cleaning the cage every few days and only removing any damp shavings or areas you feel need replenishing is fine. Don`t use cage cleaners either as these are really only necessary if your hamster has wet tail or the cage needs a good once over every year.

Hope this helps and that your hamster is settled again. x

[Pebbles82]

He was probably trying to escape lol. I take the top off the cage and Charlie tries to climb over the edge. This video by Erin's Hamsters really helped me with cage cleaning tips to make it less stressful for Charlie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jVnEjrXbww

[Bethers]

I took out the top part of the substrate and mixed it about with the new and left his toys alone so i thought there wouldn't be any problem

[racinghamster]

Is it a Syrian hamster you have Bethers? he may just be craving your attention. Cage alterations do tend to excite them! But if the bar chewing becomes an obsession, as it sometimes does with Syrians, I would look into getting a tank-style cage for him like the Zoozone 2. x

[cypher]

You did the right thing with your cage cleaning method & leaving him for a month before you did it is good too but it can still be a bit unsettling for them so I'd just wait & see if he settles down again soon, don't pay too much attention to him when he does it as that can encourage them!
There are some good ideas in this thread for bar chewers that may help if he doesn't stop Managing Bar Chewers

[Thin Lizzy]

My 2 did the bar chewing and at first I would give them the attention and ended up doing it more.
I started to ignore them when they started, I'd walk out the room or do some housework. Even putting on the TV, music or reading a book so that they realised I wouldn't give in to them.
Never award them with treats either.
Once they stopped, I would then talk to them but stop and walk away if they started up again.
I found putting thick cardboard through the bars at their chewing points helped a lot, they would start attacking the cardboard then get bored.