Hamster just eating dog biscuits

[Newb]

Hi all

I am in a conundrum and this forum has helped with all the others.

I have a Syrian who will bite the cage unless she has a dog biscuit in there, but won't if she doesn't. However, over the last couple of days that's all she's eaten. I have out Nuggets in there that she's eaten before but now she won't touch them and just goes for her biscuits. I tried to take it out last night and low and behold she chewed the bars.

Anyone have any tips? Would switching to muesli help?

[dreamtree1234]

It sounds like your Syrian is quiet brilliant and seems to have trained you, lol. She realizes that if she chews her cage bars, you will present her with a delicious dog biscuit for her enjoyment. When the dog biscuit is done, she will again chew her cage bars, and the cycle continues. Sadly, her eating only dog biscuits is not a healthy diet for her and she will not be getting all of the essential nutrients that she needs to thrive. I would suggest giving her plenty of other chewable toys and treats such as willow sticks, whimsee chews, DIY cardboard tube pouches filled with treats that she will have to chew open in order to get the surprises inside, etc. You may also want to do some scatter feeding to keep her occupied with finding food hidden around her cage. You may also want to increase her time outside of the cage so her energy will be used in more productive ways by bonding with you. I would not give her dog biscuits if she chews her bars, instead I would try your best to ignore it as best as possible. Sometimes, hamsters realize that this doesn't give them the results they are after and will soon grow tired of doing it. I hope that this helps. Good luck.

[Newb]

Thanks I'll try that approach.

[dreamtree1234]

Good luck!!!

[flowerfairy]

Great advice there from Dreamtree. Good luck from me too!