How to stop hamster chewing plastic

NibblesTheHam · 01-28-2021, 11:14 AM

Hello! I've just noticed that there is some dust from plastic on one of Nibbles' platforms, and some chew marks on part of the bin. I assume that he's been chewing the plastic, but how do I stop it? He has a second platform, so if I just took the chewing platform he'll probably just chew from the other platform. I really don't want to take the platforms, because he loves them. Does it mean he's bored? Thanks.

NibblesTheHam · 01-28-2021, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NibblesTheHam

Hello! I've just noticed that there is some dust from plastic on one of Nibbles' platforms, and some chew marks on part of the bin. I assume that he's been chewing the plastic, but how do I stop it? He has a second platform, so if I just took the chewing platform he'll probably just chew from the other platform. I really don't want to take the platforms, because he loves them. Does it mean he's bored? Thanks.

For some reason I couldn't post two pictures in one post, so here's the other one.

LunaTheHamster1 · 01-28-2021, 12:02 PM

I can;t really work out the full set up you have from your pic, but are you able to cover them with something to protect them such as cardboard or grass mats such as these ones

Rosewood Boredom Breaker, Small Animal Activity Toy Chill-n-Chew Mat: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

they will probably still be chewed and you will need to replace them but better than the plastic being chewed. you could also try putting ties or a plant pot in front of it if that works, as long as not too heavy and potential to fall on your hamster

NibblesTheHam · 01-28-2021, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll try putting some cardboard up tonight. Here's a bit of a more complete photo of the setup.

NibblesTheHam · 01-29-2021, 06:58 AM

Hello again! I wasn't originally going to post anything more on this thread, but Nibbles is still chewing plastic, just a different part of his cage. Now he's chewing the inside of the PVC pipe that connects his two bins, and I can't just put a tube of cardboard inside the PVC pipe because the pipe curves. What do I do to stop him this time?

Pebbles82 · 01-29-2021, 09:30 AM

Hello. It looks like a large bin cage - is that right? But there is an area near the plastic edges that seems to be some kind of flooring rather than just substrate. This might make him see the edges of the bin cage as a kind of playpen and they will always try and chew out of a playpen! No matter how big an enclosure they want out. Whereas with a cage it is "home" rather than an enclosure and they can be contented in their home cage and only bar chew (or plastic chew) if the cage isn't big enough (generally).

The other issue though seems to be internal ridges - which are chewable! Rather than plain sides on the inside of the bin.

I noticed also you have some metal grid ladders. It would be better to replace those (or cover the surface with hemp mat eg) as they're bad for hamsters feet - they can get a nasty foot condition called bumblefoot - it;'s very nasty. Also they can get a toe caught and injure themselves. Solid ramps are better - runged ladders aren't good for the same reason. You can use bendy stick bridges as ramps as well.

But generally it looks to me like you need a cage or bin cage that has substrate for the entire floor area. And is smooth inside without those ridges.

NibblesTheHam · 01-29-2021, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Hello. It looks like a large bin cage - is that right? But there is an area near the plastic edges that seems to be some kind of flooring rather than just substrate. This might make him see the edges of the bin cage as a kind of playpen and they will always try and chew out of a playpen! No matter how big an enclosure they want out. Whereas with a cage it is "home" rather than an enclosure and they can be contented in their home cage and only bar chew (or plastic chew) if the cage isn't big enough (generally).

The other issue though seems to be internal ridges - which are chewable! Rather than plain sides on the inside of the bin.

I noticed also you have some metal grid ladders. It would be better to replace those (or cover the surface with hemp mat eg) as they're bad for hamsters feet - they can get a nasty foot condition called bumblefoot - it;'s very nasty. Also they can get a toe caught and injure themselves. Solid ramps are better - runged ladders aren't good for the same reason. You can use bendy stick bridges as ramps as well.

But generally it looks to me like you need a cage or bin cage that has substrate for the entire floor area. And is smooth inside without those ridges.

I didn't realize that ramps could cause bumblefoot too, I thought it was only mesh wheels, they'll be out of there right away. Yes, it is a bin cage. By a floor do you mean the piece of cardboard by the flat topped platform? because that used to me a forage mat, he just tore out everything, leaving a piece of cardboard. Are you saying that the cage isn't big enough, and that's why he's started chewing on it? Also, would just putting up cardboard like LunaTheHamster1 suggested be enough to stop him chewing? Thanks.