Biting the bars

Goldenstar · 07-08-2017, 01:09 PM

Chi has started biting the bars and I solved the solution by placing a carrot and one of those treats that hangs down (i don't remember what they're called) but she's started up again. My dad says it's normal as all rodents like to gnaw on things (we've own guinea pigs in the past and once lived in a flat with mice instead the walls and they did gnaw on everything we owned) but I read on the internet it can mean she could be bored, stressed or is seeking attention (which I kinda doubt since she hates being touch atm).

So, I was hoping someone could give me an explanation, please?

SabreRose · 07-08-2017, 01:29 PM

There are a lot of factors that can cause bar chewing. But you should always try to prevent it because it can have serious negative effects on hamsters.
How big is your cage? A small cage can lead to stress and boredom which could cause it.
Does you hamster have many toys/a suitable sized wheel?
Is it any of the bars or just one spot in particular?

Drago · 07-08-2017, 05:05 PM

As mentioned above, it's a variety of factors that cause chewing. Most tend to do with something in the environment that's unsuitable, but there is a genetic component to it. If you can answer the questions above, we can help to get to the root of your chewing problems

Pebbles82 · 07-08-2017, 07:49 PM

A lot of the time it's if the cage is too small. If your cage isn't too small, then is the wheel big enough and does your hammy have lots of substrate (four inches or more) in the cage, and a house big enough to build a good size nest in, and plenty of shelter (eg a shelf to sit under or hidey places). If yes to all that, then it could be you need to think about a tank style cage. If you post a photo of your cage we could advise if anything could be changed that might help.

It isn't the case that all rodents like to gnaw on things. Some won't even gnaw on wood chews! They chew bars to try and get out

Some hammies are much chewier than others and will chew and destroy anything. Others are more particular.

Goldenstar · 07-09-2017, 02:11 AM

Her cage is quite small and only just reaches the minimum of suitable cage sizes and I do plan on getting her a 80x50x50 cage in about a weeks time (that's when my job pays me) so it probably is due to the cage size, is there anything I can do? She has a wheel that she does go on and she has tubes to go through so what else can I do?

cypher · 07-09-2017, 02:16 AM

If you don't already scatter feed, about the best way to keep them occupied!
Either just scatter the food over the substrate so she can dig around & forage for it or hide some in little cardboard boxes, tubes or toilet roll treat toys.
Have a look here for more ideas .
Managing Bar Chewers

flowerfairy · 07-09-2017, 05:34 AM

It is important (although not generally mentioned in pet shops) that the wheel allows the hamster to run with a straight back for long term spinal health.

I have silent runner wheels for three of my hamsters from exotic nutrition and the karlie wooden wheel for my other syrian (from zooplus).

Many of the cages sold in pet shops are too small to house a decent sized wheel so in the meantime I have found threading cardboard through the bars to help to an extent and allowing a good half hour or more playing in a play box to be helpful.

Pebbles82 · 07-09-2017, 06:13 AM

Is it the Hamster Heaven you're thinking of upgrading to? (You said 80 x 50 x 50 and that sounds like the hamster heaven!). If so it is much cheaper on Zooplus than in pet shops usually - just under £50. That would be a good upgrade. Unless you have a particularly large Syrian that needs a 12" wheel because a 12" wheel only just fits in the Hamster Heaven (it is not actually 50cm tall - that height includes the penthouse on top - the actual cage is about 36 to 38cm tall). The Penthouse and tubes usually end up having to be removed as hammies block them up with substrate and it causes issues. Cages without external tubes are best for Syrians. Have a look on Zooplus - they have two or three very good cages for Syrians at very good prices. The Alaska cage is popular - it's 84cm by 48cm but taller than the Hamster Heaven (while not being too tall) so fits any size of wheel and also has a big front opening door. It's quite a basic cage, but only costs about £33

The white house on the shelf is no good as it's too small for a Syrian and they need a house that is sat on top of the substrate and open underneath, but it's easily removed. The shelf is a bit flimsy but ok really. You would just need a house, a wheel and some toys - toys can be cardboard floor tubes or tunnels or tissue boxes as hidey places - you don't have to spend a lot and can make some.

A good basic, inexpensive set up for a Syrian is an Alaska cage and a 28cm Trixie wheel (also sold at Zooplus and you don't pay postage if you get it at the same time as a cage). They can take up to a week to deliver but delivery is free.

Hamster Cages | great selection at zooplus

If you have the space, the Barney cage might be a better option. It costs about £15 more but it does come with a good shelf and a good house for a Syrian, so you save on having to buy a house. It also comes with a basic 8" wheel which would do to start with and you could get a bigger wheel later. The Barney cage has smaller bar spacing (7mm instead of 1cm) so bar chewing is less likely as it's more difficult. I have that cage for our Syrian after upgrading from something the size of the Hamster Heaven which ended up being a bit cramped for our large Syrian - but it is a good cage. However, most of the colourful plastic stuff it comes with ends up being removed by most people - the tubes, penthouse, shelves and little plastic pod houses - as they don't really work - plus one shelf needs removing just to fit a Syrian sized wheel in.

Trixie 28cm wheel

Trixie Small Pet Exercise Wheel | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!