Syrian bites bars desperately

[TaniaOrchid989]

Hi, I have a syrian named Adelaide. She's amsing, but she finds all and any way to get to the bers on her detolf cage to bite them. I'm not sure what to do, she has several different things to do in hee enclosure, but she still chews the bars for long periods of time. I was hesitant to use the lemon juice tactic, but I think the one time I did it, she just continued chewing. Any toys that might be irrestible to Syrians would be great? Any suggestions to what might help her stop are appreciated?

[SKB_Hamsters]

It can be quite difficult to stop bar chewing my current girl was very obsessed with bar chewing when she was housed in a bar cage and would do anything to get to the bars. I wouldn't recommend putting lemon juice on the bars as the acid can really upset their stomach and also it isn't safe for them anyways.
The only thing that would distract my girl from bar chewing was attaching willow sticks (I got mine from p@h) to the bars and she would chew them up instead. My girl still loves chewing on them eventhough she is now house in a DIY cage. All my past girls too have also loved chewing on willow sticks.
Also another is try not to her any attention when she bar chews as some hamster often chew the bars to get your attention - so try your best to ignore it if possible. So before Adelaide starts to chew the bars maybe get her out in a hamster safe playpen for her to run around and also tire her out a little.

[TaniaOrchid989]

Yes, I totally agree with not using the lemon juice on bars. I only used that method once and it didn't work, plus I think the new scent might have further attracted her to the bars. I haven't heard of the brand p@h, could you send me a link to them, maybe a website or the product on amazon? Have u seen any affordable playpens out there where a hamster can't fit through the holes? Or should I just make one myself from cardboard posters?

[cypher]

A cardboard playpen won't last long & most bought playpens aren't suitable for syrians but you can easily make one, you can make them from storage cubes like these that particular brand is out of stock now but any similar ones are fine, you simply cable tie the corners together & it has the advantage of folding up when not in use, the photos are gone now but you might still find this guide to making one helpful.
Stylish playpen
P@H is probably the biggest Uk pet chain store but I think you're in the US?

[Emma Marie]

Have you tried getting her a whimzee? My Syrian can chew them all night long but isn't interested in any other chew toys.

[TaniaOrchid989]

Emma Marie, I haven't tried a whimzee. What is that chew toy? Could you show me a plave that sells them?

[cypher]

Whimzees are natural dog chews that many of us use for hams, most people use the small toothbrush one but you can get other shapes like which are also fine.
You can probably buy them in most pet stores or get them online.
Whimzee toothbrush.
I'm still guessing you're in the US?!

[SKB_Hamsters]

You can buy bunches of willow sticks on amazon - these are similar to the ones I use - https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufact...ticks+for+pets and https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Pet-Pro...ticks+for+pets

You should be able to find willow sticks in both petsmart and petco too

[TaniaOrchid989]

Originally Posted by cypher

A cardboard playpen won't last long & most bought playpens aren't suitable for syrians but you can easily make one, you can make them from storage cubes like these that particular brand is out of stock now but any similar ones are fine, you simply cable tie the corners together & it has the advantage of folding up when not in use, the photos are gone now but you might still find this guide to making one helpful.
Stylish playpen
P@H is probably the biggest Uk pet chain store but I think you're in the US?

Yeah I'm in the U.S. I've looked at the storage cubes and it seems like they woukd be great for Adelaide. So I'll look for the same product that is in stock. Thanks.

[TaniaOrchid989]

Originally Posted by SKB_Hamsters

You can buy bunches of willow sticks on amazon - these are similar to the ones I use - https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufact...ticks+for+pets and https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Pet-Pro...ticks+for+pets

You should be able to find willow sticks in both petsmart and petco too

Thanks so much, I think I'll try the willow sticks from Happy Pet pro. I'm just not sure how I would wrap them around the bars in her detolf cage?