Chewing plastic

[xFluffyHamsterx]

Hi guys, i'm not too worried about my hammy but lately he's been chewing on his plastic tube (he uses it as, i suspect, a comfort tube to walk through from his nest (very protective near that area) and his food bowl and wheel where he isnt so protective.) He seems happy, has a gnaw stick and toys but i'm worried chewing plastic may harm him, so is it best to remove it and put it in again in a few days so he knows when he bites it i take it away? Dont know what to do so ideas appreciated

[AmityvilleHams]

Remove the tube.You could replace it with a more breathable safe and digestible tunnel,like a seagrass or sisal one!

Plastic tubes in general aren't that great since they can cause respiratory problems if the hamster is in them too much,but that's due to plastic not being a breathable material.They can cause severe digestive problems if ingested as well,much like any other plastic items in a cage.

It doesn't mean no tubes of any sort,but it does mean finding the right sort of tubes that allow the benefits of feeling safe without the health risks

[Gimleyand Meeko]

I agree definitely get rid of the tube, given the heat as well. What cage is your hammie in?

[xFluffyHamsterx]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Remove the tube.You could replace it with a more breathable safe and digestible tunnel,like a seagrass or sisal one!

Plastic tubes in general aren't that great since they can cause respiratory problems if the hamster is in them too much,but that's due to plastic not being a breathable material.They can cause severe digestive problems if ingested as well,much like any other plastic items in a cage.

It doesn't mean no tubes of any sort,but it does mean finding the right sort of tubes that allow the benefits of feeling safe without the health risks

Okay have done that, thanks will get one!

[xFluffyHamsterx]

Originally Posted by Gimleyand Meeko

I agree definitely get rid of the tube, given the heat as well. What cage is your hammie in?

The heat has defo cooled down, he doesnt always go in it he only goes in it to get to his toys. He has a Savic cage but due to previous threads about behaviour i'm willing to get the alaska cage

[Gimleyand Meeko]

Okay cool Sounds like a plan A hamsters ideal living temperatures are 20-25 degrees C