New Hamster Chewing The Bars Of The Cage. Unsure What To Do!

bubbleslabrador · 04-30-2019, 03:45 PM

Hello,

I have got a new 5 day old Syrian Hamster and a cage apparently designed for her, but she is content on chewing the bars at the top of the cage! I've read a few posts on here and elsewhere saying she could be bored or not have enough room. I have given her plenty things to do: wheel, wooden chew, cardboard tube, etc but she will use them sometimes before going back to the bars again.

I tried putting up thing there such as the danging treats cardboard bits but once she has moved them or got bored its back to the bars. It seems though once the lights and I am not in the room she isn't as active with it.

I thought about either getting a new cage without bars as the one I have now is pretty big already with lots of climbing stuff possibly (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...F7MST5MKCV1AEQ).

Could it be she is getting settled or needs more wooden chews? Don't want her getting hurt is all, makes me worry I've got something wrong. Help!

mangoandmimi · 05-01-2019, 11:42 AM

Is that the cage you have the rosewood pico. If so then unfortunately it isn't suitable for hamsters, it's too small so it isn't surprising she's bar chewing. I know she has just moved in but it's important to get them set up in a proper cage and setup. So best thing to do is think about a cage upgrade - best aim for one over 100x50x50cm and ideally allowing for over 8-10" of bedding. Whether you want one with or without bars is up to you but I personally prefer to stay away from them especially when a young & active Syrian is concerned, you may well find the chewing continues even in a larger cage. You are right to worry as any kind of bar chewing is a serious hazard, it's very easy for them to injure themselves from it.

Ashy · 05-01-2019, 04:16 PM

I agree with Mango & Mimi, that cage doesn't look big enough to run around in!

While you're waiting for the upgrade, try playing with her more often and take her out. You could also break her boredom by scattering treats around her cage and putting them inside of her toys - which I suggest you rotate the toys every once in awhile! Add an extra layer of bedding and hide treats inside of it too! Hopefully this helps occupy your hammy in the meantime, don't want your little one to climb and fall too

bubbleslabrador · 05-01-2019, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mangoandmimi

Is that the cage you have the rosewood pico. If so then unfortunately it isn't suitable for hamsters, it's too small so it isn't surprising she's bar chewing. I know she has just moved in but it's important to get them set up in a proper cage and setup. So best thing to do is think about a cage upgrade - best aim for one over 100x50x50cm and ideally allowing for over 8-10" of bedding. Whether you want one with or without bars is up to you but I personally prefer to stay away from them especially when a young & active Syrian is concerned, you may well find the chewing continues even in a larger cage. You are right to worry as any kind of bar chewing is a serious hazard, it's very easy for them to injure themselves from it.

Thanks for the feedback! ill start looking for a new cage instead of this one. It says it was designed for syrian hamsters, bad that they advertise this on the box... Tricked by cheap prices! If there are any ones that aren't ridiculous prices let me know, I'll start looking around now. I have been playing with her more, letting her run around out the cage as she has been chewing less over the last day or so.

It says on the box that it is suitable for syrian dwarf hamsters. False advertising then! I have been looking for some cages on amazon but cant see anything in the 100x50x50 range. I just want her to be happy

Shannonmcn · 05-02-2019, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbleslabrador

Thanks for the feedback! ill start looking for a new cage instead of this one. It says it was designed for syrian hamsters, bad that they advertise this on the box... Tricked by cheap prices! If there are any ones that aren't ridiculous prices let me know, I'll start looking around now. I have been playing with her more, letting her run around out the cage as she has been chewing less over the last day or so.

It says on the box that it is suitable for syrian dwarf hamsters. False advertising then! I have been looking for some cages on amazon but cant see anything in the 100x50x50 range. I just want her to be happy

Amazon isn't the best place for hamster cages. Pet Supplies at zooplus Online Pet Shop, Pet Food & Pet Accessories. is probably your best bet, they have the Barney (£55) and the Alexander (£75) which are both 100x50cm.

If you want a barless cage to avoid future chewing you can look into DIY cages. You can get an IKEA display cabinet which is 160x40 and make a simple lid for it or there are a few more involved DIYs with IKEA tables (Lacks and Linnmons).

Pebbles82 · 05-02-2019, 04:12 AM

As the others have said it isn't a good cage - I would try and get a refund for it! Where did you get it from? Even if has been unused you can say it's unsuitable.

Unfortunately there is no law to say what can be sold for a hamster so people can sell anything and say it's for a hamster! Best way is to google welfare charity recommendations for cage size - or come on here - which you have!

That cage is sold a lot - and it isn't cheap. There are a number of issues with it. Not just too small, but also the height and falls risks and the fact that the house is enclosed and at the top of the cage.

A hamster's instinct is to make a toilet somewhere on the substrate/litter on the base of the cage - usually in a corner. But it's a heck of a long route down to the bottom just to go to the toilet so they then often just pee in the house. Which gets stinky as not much ventilation, needs cleaning out a lot and then they get stressed.

The Alaska, Barney and Alexander are all good for Syrians, on the Zooplus link Shannon gave above

I would ask about a refund for the current cage and if it is approved, order the new one and take the old one back when the new one is set up and the hamster moved. If it's Amazon you can probably just send the old one back. If you got it from Pets at Home they are often good about refunds if you feel it isn't suitable, but you'd need to say to them that you found it unsuitable for a syrian and ask for the refund.

With enough floorspace and plenty of substrate and litter and a house that is on top of the substrate and open underneath (a shoebox with a hole cut in for a door would do and the base cut out so it's open underneath). Then the hamster can have normal behaviours and settle and be happy.

Normal behaviours include burying hoards under their nest, having a house big enough to build a big cosy nest (that they tend to look after and keep tidy) and being able to have a toilet near the house. If you put a litter tray in, your hammy will probably use it. If you put it in the right place (ie the place they've chosen to pee - usually a corner of the cage) - then you just need to empty the litter tray every few days and the cage stays clean and dry a lot longer. So you can then just "spot clean" mostly and avoid big clean outs. Weekly cleanouts aren't necessary with enough substrate and a litter tray and you can easily go a couple of months. And then do the substrate. But best not to clean everything at the same time and remove all their familiar scent. So the wheel a different week and any toys a different week again.

Nests and hoards can be left alone a very long time unless they are pee'd in/on. They are very fussy about their nests and hoards and don't want them stealing! Sometimes it's necessary so then always put new food back in exactly the same place.

The bar chewing may not just be the size of the cage, but stress generally. It is basically "I want to get out!" I've been invaded, my hoard has been stolen and I don't feel safe!

bubbleslabrador · 05-02-2019, 11:42 AM

Thank you all very much for the information. I did worry the cage would be the case but on the box it states "Great for Syrian Hamsters" I bought it from wilkos so fat chance of it being returned there!

I've bought her a new Barney one that should arrive in a couple days. Hope others see this as a warning for the Pico cage now. She has been pooing in the nest area because its a while to go downstairs, plus she is now stockpiling food inside her nest which I have to move to get droppings from. I always put the food back in there but its hard not to remove some of it. Fingers crossed she is happier when the new cage comes in a couple days

I will most likely try and sell the cage on Gumtree instead of returning it. For now, i'll try and keep her healthy and happy. Will let you know how she gets in her new place

mangoandmimi · 05-02-2019, 12:20 PM

That’s good news.

Although - would advise not selling the old one on gumtree or any unsuitable cage for that matter. Wouldn’t want another hammy ending up in there. But if you can get a refund that would be good.

Shannonmcn · 05-02-2019, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbleslabrador

Thank you all very much for the information. I did worry the cage would be the case but on the box it states "Great for Syrian Hamsters" I bought it from wilkos so fat chance of it being returned there!

I've bought her a new Barney one that should arrive in a couple days. Hope others see this as a warning for the Pico cage now. She has been pooing in the nest area because its a while to go downstairs, plus she is now stockpiling food inside her nest which I have to move to get droppings from. I always put the food back in there but its hard not to remove some of it. Fingers crossed she is happier when the new cage comes in a couple days

I will most likely try and sell the cage on Gumtree instead of returning it. For now, i'll try and keep her healthy and happy. Will let you know how she gets in her new place

Barney is a great choice!

I would try returning the cage. Chance your arm and bring up the (sadly now retracted) RSPCA guidance that says a minimum of 80x50cm. You never know! And if you sell it sure some other person might use it as a full time cage and you're just pushing the problem onto another hamster. Another option is keeping it as a hospital or transport cage if you take the platforms etc out.

Pebbles82 · 05-02-2019, 01:32 PM

I agree with Shannon, it's worth a try! I know a lot of people end up being sold that cage. If you can be bothered with the hassle I would write to the Manager of the local branch, quote a few things (Wood Green animal charity has cage requirements etc) and say that it is not suitable for a Syrian, as advertised, and request a refund.

Also it can be good to have a spare cage as a play cage, for when you're doing a cage clean. Or the doors might be useful if you ever make a bin cage.

Your hammy will be very happy in the barney - it has a good house too.