Syrian enrichment and stress?

[Droozy]

Ive had Penelope for less than a year maybe? He has a big cage i built from a re purposed entertainment system. I think its more than big enough for him but he's CONSTANTLY trying to escape and chews on any edge he can get obsessively. I just now managed to chew proof the front edges of the cage by blocking it with some bricks. they ended up helping anyway since now I can put more bedding in the bottom without it falling out the front.

So it is now totally chew proof!! but I still notice some stress behavior. Like constant wheel running and he still searches the edge of the cage for spots to chew on. He has PLENTY of things to chew on and i have 3 different nesting areas for him. He's also potty trained so his cage stays pretty clean.

I think the problem is that he doesn't have enough enrichment? but I cant find things he likes!! ive tried making like 3 different dig boxes filled with bedding and tunnels of old toilet paper tubes and he just wont use them. Ive also tried making him a climbing wall and he also refuses to use that. about the only thing I havent bought yet is hamster tubs. Im worried he wont even use them and plus im having trouble figuring out how I would incorporate the tubes into his cage.

What can I do for Penelope? I feel so guilty because im 90% sure he's stressed and idk what to do about it. I doesn't help that sometimes I dont get him out of his cage everyday. I try to but he often doesn't get up till like 12 pm and when I try to wake him up at 6 (I was trying ot get him on a schedule) its a hell of an effort to get him to come out of his house.

Im also constantly wondering if he likes me because hamster are so different from cats and thats all ive ever owned really. He like jumps at the glass door when he sees me which is cute but he also doesnt seem like he wants me to actually hold him much. Altho he hasnt ever bite me either...

sorry this is so long winded orz

[LaurensHaven]

My girl is exactly the same and I just don’t know what to do anymore. She’s the reason I joined this forum to see if I can get some help. My mum keeps saying not to worry as I’m doing everything I can but I still feel super guilty. I just want her to have a great life. It’s good to know I’m not alone in this. Maybe we are just overreacting. I’ve started hanging things from the ceiling of her cage and covering stuff in peanut butter which does seem to help. So maybe you could try that. Otherwise I’m still working it out ��

[megoneill]

Hello! I completely understand that you are worried. What size is Penelope's wheel? It may be a case that he is too big for his wheel which was causes stress. Another thing that is good to keep them from getting bored is making little treat toys. If you just search up on YouTube "hamster treat toy" there are loads of DIY's on there which keep your hamster busy and then gaining a reward at the end.
I hope this helps and good luck