Is my hamster chewing his bars because he's bored?

Haresem01 · 09-30-2014, 02:34 PM

My hamster lives in the Mamble 80cm cage (I couldn't get hold of the 100cm cage.) As you can see from the picture, he has a large wheel and toys on three levels and lots of things to chew, yet he chooses to bite his cage. Does he need more toys or is it because he just enjoys chewing the bars? (The picture doesn't show the completed cage there are more toys/hammocks in it now.)
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Ridley33 · 09-30-2014, 02:46 PM

What type of hamster have you got? As Syrians need more floor space than levels but a large wheel helps with their passion for running.. Some hamsters chew nore than others. If it becomes a problem than I would recommend an aquarium type cage like ferplast multy duna where the bars are only at the top or similar cages.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 09-30-2014, 02:55 PM

Some just enjoy chewing the bars, I can't see any reason for him to be chewing in that cage

Haresem01 · 09-30-2014, 03:07 PM

He's a Syrian, he's only about 5 weeks old but he's very active. I get him out every night and let him run around. I think he might just enjoy chewing bars. I'm considering making him a bin cage from the 130L Samla, is this any good?

Shannonmcn · 09-30-2014, 03:13 PM

My syrian chews bars because she knows it gets my attention. She never does it when she thinks I'm asleep, so that could be another motivation. The cage seems plenty big enough. So long as he's getting a decent amount of outside-cage time I'd tend to think he's just doing it because he wants to.

Everyone recommends bin cages, I'd go for it if you can

Haresem01 · 09-30-2014, 03:34 PM

Yes, he never seems to chew his bars when I'm not there. I'm worried about him hurting himself so I'm going to make him a bin cage as soon as I can. (He's chewing his bars as we speak!)

**kyrilliondaemon** · 09-30-2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haresem01

He's a Syrian, he's only about 5 weeks old but he's very active. I get him out every night and let him run around. I think he might just enjoy chewing bars. I'm considering making him a bin cage from the 130L Samla, is this any good?

Thats exactly what we did for Nelly when he was bar chewing in the Alaska. We're using it with plans/hopes of moving him to a bigger cage eventually but the SAMLA is fine as a permanent home too

Haresem01 · 10-01-2014, 03:09 PM

I've gone ahead and ordered the SAMLA, so fingers crossed Gus will like it.

Ridley33 · 10-01-2014, 03:15 PM

I'm sure he will love it and he's very lucky to have such a thoughtful owner!

DanniDorrito · 10-01-2014, 04:48 PM

Ooh good luck with the SAMLA, get some photos once you get it!