Chewing Problems!

amyyxj · 02-01-2017, 07:03 AM

So I've had my hamster for over a month now and recently she has become such a chewer! Since I got her she's been corner digging but now she digs so she can chew the wood that the cage is made from. I really don't like how she is ruining the cage and it keeps me up at night. I've tried a lot of things to block her way but she always manages to get past. She also started chewing the perspex by poking her teeth through the ventilation holes. I went out the other day and bought LOADS of chews for her and she chewed on them for a while but eventually she made her way back to the cage chewing. I've ordered some bedding she can properly burrow in hoping it will sort out her digging problem, I'll fill the cage a good 8 inches for her.

I know all hamsters try to escape but do you think she needs more space?
This is her cage Living World Green Eco Habitat | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!

She also does not use the wheel as often because chewing has taken up all her time. I've looked at deterrent but I'm not too sure. I just want to give her the best life possible.

She's quite the trouble maker and has been quite of lot of worry for a first time owner like me!

CMB · 02-01-2017, 07:10 AM

I wonder how well her wheel spins or if she has outgrown it. If the wheel is too small for her to run comfortably or if it gets stuck with substrate etc she may be digging /chewing instead.

amyyxj · 02-01-2017, 07:17 AM

The wheel is a 28cm Trixie Exercise Wheel but she does dig where the wheel is and everyday I have to sort out her bedding in that area since she piles it up + the wheel does spin well normally. The problem might be the substrate making the wheel hard for her to push, thanks!

AmityvilleHams · 02-01-2017, 07:18 AM

It is completely possible that she does need more space.In fact,this is a very common problem when it comes to Syrians as they are usually more prone to expressing and acting upon cage size related boredom.

Obsessive behavior is a good indicator that the cage is inappropriate for your hamster,whether it be in setup or substrate depth or the size of the cage itself.If everything you do to fix the setup doesn't change anything,you've ruled out the setup being an issue in most cases.Substrate depth 8-12 inches could help as well,but that doesn't mean it will fully compensate for a cage that is too small for an individual hamster.

Cage size and enrichment rely on each other to work.For example,a square meter cage with just the bare necessities would be no better than the same items in a cage half the size,but a square meter cage with loads of enrichment and very deep substrate would be superior to a cage half the size with just the bare necessities.

amyyxj · 02-01-2017, 07:23 AM

Her cage is 98.5 x 58.5 x 61 cm, but maybe I should get her something bigger then if her behavior does not improve. Thanks for the help.

CMB · 02-01-2017, 07:28 AM

Use a bendy bridge or something to help block the substrate from being dug around the wheel and stopping it from turning.

Or have the wheel raised up off the substrate on a platform or something. Your cage is a good size. If you have space you could get a bigger cage, but the problem could be something to do with cage layout, so look into that first.

Drago · 02-01-2017, 08:00 AM

It could be a sign she would like a bigger cage or more out of cage time. I often don't recommend wooden cages as this can sometimes encourage hams to chew on the edges as they feel that there's a possibility of escape. Upgrading her would be good as most hamsters really appreciate larger cages, but try to block off the corners for now and see how she reacts. If she starts pacing or climbing on the walls, corner digging obsessively, or any other behavior similar to those, it's likely time to invest in a bigger enclosure for her. Best wishes

cypher · 02-01-2017, 08:05 AM

Wooden cages can be a bit of a problem & once they begin to chew on something breaking the habit can be a challenge but your cage is a good size & should be adequate for most hams so I agree that looking at your layout & thinking about ideas for distracting enrichment first is best rather than just getting a bigger cage when you may not need to.
Scatter feeding & hiding food are good distractions, foraging can keep them busy for ages & take their minds off things they shouldn't be doing!
Also agree that putting the wheel on a platform/free standing shelf would help, lost of hams love to dig under the wheel making it impossible to use so solving that problem would be a step in the right direction.
Do you have a photo of your set up? That could help if you want any suggestions.

amyyxj · 02-01-2017, 11:10 AM

I do scatter feed to keep her entertained as well, she's gained this cute habit of putting the food back in her bowl. I guess it keeps it tidy haha. + I'll take some photos to show you her setup now!

Drago · 02-01-2017, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amyyxj

I do scatter feed to keep her entertained as well, she's gained this cute habit of putting the food back in her bowl. I guess it keeps it tidy haha. + I'll take some photos to show you her setup now!

Another suggestion, is to add some "brain toys". These are essentially toys that make hams think and work for their food, using the portion of their brain that controls problem solving. By stimulation this area of the brain, they will feel more relaxed, confident, and have a higher intelligence capacity. Though there are TONS of brain toys you can make for your hamster, one semi-simple one to use is a toilet paper tube stuffed full of tissue, then in the center, add a few cheerios and then stuff the tube with more tissue until the treats are fully hidden. Your hamster can solve this is one of two ways, they can pull the tissues out revealing the treats, or they can shred the tube which works equally well! I'm sure if there's a DIY thread on here, there will be some brain toy ideas on there! Best wishes