Bar chewing concerns - Page 2

livedinhogwarts · 07-07-2018, 03:08 PM

@Turrican

I completely understand where you're coming from as my hamster just recently started doing this too. The cool mug trick really works- you should definitely try it!

Turrican · 07-07-2018, 05:40 PM

Have also filled a plastic tub with icecubes and put the lid on. I put it in his cage for him to be able to go and sit by/on if he gets too hot, hope it works, I'm so worried about his recent agitation!

Pebbles82 · 07-07-2018, 07:37 PM

It might still be the heat. Distraction might help too - scatter feeding maybe? Or a bit of extra out of cage time.

livedinhogwarts · 07-09-2018, 08:20 AM

@Turrican

That sounds like a great idea! I might try it myself. I hope your hamster feels better with it ^_^

@Serendipity7000

Maybe that would also work. I recently gave him a bit of out of cage time, but I think he isn't very used to it. He did have a good time playing though

livedinhogwarts · 07-19-2018, 07:18 PM

My hamster is still chewing the bars a lot, and he doesn't seem like he's going to stop this behaviour anytime soon. I've tried lots of things to make him feel less stressed etc but I don't think it is helping very much. I think he wants something to chew on maybe, but he isn't using the chew toys I provided for him. When he chews on the bars I can hear some sort of grinding/breaking/snapping sound like his teeth are breaking. I'm really concerned it's gotten too far.

Pebbles82 · 07-21-2018, 08:36 AM

Oh dear that does sound a bit worrying - no it's not good for his teeth. You might need to think about changing him into a tank style cage. Can you remind me what cage you've got and do you have a photo of his set up? Just in case there are any changes we could suggest that may help?

livedinhogwarts · 07-21-2018, 09:07 AM

@Serendipity7000

It is quite worrying. I have an Alaska cage at the moment. I'll try posting a photo of the set up when I get a chance. I'm not sure I can afford a new cage at the moment, so unless he really doesn't stop bar chewing, I don't think it's really a feasible option for me.

I also tried smearing a thin layer of peanut butter on his chew toys, and now he's started to use them. He has stopped bar chewing for now, however I'm concerned how his teeth are.

Pebbles82 · 07-21-2018, 12:58 PM

Peanut butter isn't that great for hamsters really

It's quite sticky. I'm sure he'll be fine but I wouldn't use it again.

It's a shame as he started the bar chewing quite suddenly didn't he? Not sure how much substrate you have in but you could try putting it deeper. I wonder what is going on with him. It's only about 3 or 4 weeks since you got him back after his illness isn't it?

If he does end up needing a cage without bars you could sell the Alaska - and get a bit towards something else. Look out for second hand fishtanks on ebay - some people have found bargains - then you just need to make a lid. A cheap one might be quite grungy but they clean up.

livedinhogwarts · 07-21-2018, 02:15 PM

@Serendipity7000

Thanks for all the advice!

I heard that if you put a really thin layer of peanut butter it isn't harmful to them and makes them want to chew on their chew toys more. If it's not good for him though, it is best I stop using it.

He started bar chewing very suddenly. Previously he was in a plastic cage, so he never used to do this. I don't put the substrate in that deep; about 1 or 2 inches. I could put it in deeper. It's been about 6 weeks since he recovered from his illness.

A tank sounds like a good idea if he doesn't stop chewing the bars on his cage. How would I make a lid?

Pebbles82 · 07-21-2018, 03:11 PM

I would put at least 4" in. The deeper it is the less often you need to clean him out so it works out cheaper in substrate in the long run - just spot clean. Maybe add an extra hide to distract him as well? A tissue box house or something.