Monkey-Barring Confusion

Iavenderae · 09-01-2019, 06:32 AM

Hiya, everyone. I currently own a 3 month old long haired Syrian, whom has recently begun money barring across the mesh on top of his cage belonging to the lid. I am aware this is a sign of stress or boredom, however I am confused as to why he would be upset given his current cage. He is housed in the IKEA Detolf, some 1,000+ square inches, with plenty of toys, bedding, and a wheel. He has dropped 6 oz within the past 10 days, so I’m concerned that may have something to do with it. I am unsure what to do as for I don’t want him to hurt himself. Thanks!

LunaTheHamster1 · 09-01-2019, 01:18 PM

Is it possible for you to attach a photo so we could see what his setup is like, so we may be able to advise further?

Iavenderae · 09-01-2019, 04:35 PM

I am afraid I cannot get an image to upload. He has a sand pit, as well as a 11 inch wheel, as well as wooden toys, nesting toys, tunnels, bridges, and hides.

Ria P · 09-02-2019, 04:05 AM

6oz = 170g which is a huge weight loss in 10 days. I'd get him checked by a vet asap. Could be a dental problem.

Is he eating as normal? Maybe he is expressing discomfort or pain with this behaviour. I really don't know but it could be something physical rather than environmental.

Iavenderae · 09-02-2019, 07:51 AM

Made a major mistake, he dropped .06 oz, not 6. Typo, whoops. He’s eating completely fine, fresh food twice a week, along with mixed proteins, grains, and nuts. He’s just recently begun to start leaping for the lid, and I’m wondering what’s made him suddenly anxious or bored.

LunaTheHamster1 · 09-02-2019, 07:59 AM

So that's 1.7gram. I don't think that is anything to worry about. But you could keep an eye on his weight over time. It sounds like you have a good set up, maybe he is just trying to escape, it is what hamsters like to do. As long as you have enough bedding in there so if he falls he doesn't hurt himself. Maybe it's not practical, but is there anyway you can deter him from getting to the top?

Iavenderae · 09-02-2019, 08:03 AM

Unfortunately, I’m not sure. The cage is relatively short in height, but longer in length. Hence being a Syrian, if I use appropriately sized toys, there is no way for me to prevent him from reaching the top. I’m almost wondering if redoing the current arrangement, including new toys and such, would prevent this behavior?

Ria P · 09-02-2019, 09:03 AM

So glad about the oz mistake.

Do you give him regular out of cage time?
In a playpen, freeroaming in a hamster safe room or area, on a large bed etc.

It really would help to see your set up. Have a look at the thread "Let's see your cages" in the Forum under Housing to see if there's anything you could improve.

My Syrian doesn't burrow but moves around his cage under bendy bridges and shelves. It's almost like he wants to have something above his head when out of his house and it can help to strategically arrange things so the hamster can move around without feeling exposed.

I'm guessing but your hamster seems to try to tell you that something isn't right fot him.

The detolf is great, wished i had the space for one.

Iavenderae · 09-02-2019, 10:27 AM

Unfortunately I cannot upload a photo, as I can’t get it to fit the requirements of the website in size. I’ve only had him for a few weeks, so it’s tough to give him too much time with me, as I’m working on taming him and don’t want to overwhelm him. He does have time to run around in a pen and on my bed with me, and has places to burrow, dig, and hide under. I’ll do my best to get a photo of the cage.

Ria P · 09-02-2019, 11:43 AM

Maybe he's still settling in if you've only had him for a few weeks. What's he like when he's out of his cage? Is he very active or does he just sit in a corner?

I always say that i wished i could buy a book on hamster psychology because they can be so difficult to figure out.