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Old 09-17-2020, 08:28 AM   #1
katepoth7
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Default Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Hi there,



I'm new here (relatively, a bit of a lurker) but I am finally posting because I am in need of some advice! My syrian hamster, Winnie (9 months approx) is awful for cage biting, we are currently on cage number 5 (at least)! She bites the plastic of the cage, I'm not sure why we got a new one which has lasted her a good few months with no problems but suddenly she has started again. This is creating holes and in the past it has led to an escape mission with a hole in the carpet and a hoard of monkey nuts. I have attached a few photos of her handy work for you (and one of her pretending she's innocent)!



But the problem is, I can't keep buying new cages, the cage she has now is plenty big enough, she has lots to keep her occupied in her cage (she is incredibly spoilt), and we get her out at least every day! She's such a happy hamster as well and so docile!



Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this cage or prevent further chewing attempts?



Thanks in advance,

Kate



P.S. sorry the photos are so big

https://i.imgur.com/cfhXnl6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QJbYJsL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vsJIQ0O.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qTfjfop.jpg
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Old 09-17-2020, 08:59 AM   #2
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

I'm thinking some sort of glass tank is in order for her. Can you look out for one on 2nd hand websites maybe
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Old 09-17-2020, 01:46 PM   #3
Ria P
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Hello and welcome!

Yes, i agree with Luna, a glass tank with a secure, meshed lid may be the answer.
You should be able to find a good sized fish tank in the free ads.
She's very convincing at looking innocent with her cute little face.
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Old 09-17-2020, 02:46 PM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Oh re idea for fixing the cage. I have seen a video where they melt something like an old credit card to fix the gap. You could try adding a correx sheet but she will probably end up chewing thru that at some point too.
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Old 09-17-2020, 03:04 PM   #5
Petite
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Ah - you have a Chewer with a capital C. I had one of those too - she chewed a hole in her travel carrier big enough to get her head through, and we had to bung it with a cork. (Corks can be very useful for temporary fixes.) She also chewed all around her food bowl until the bottom fell out.

I think a glass tank is going to be your only sure-fire option. At least you would only have to buy her the one, and not several in succession! I would ask if she had enough in-cage entertainment, but as you say she is spoilt, I'm sure she has. Hamsters are escape artists, and if there isn't a way out, they will find one. Hope you strike lucky finding a suitable enclosure for her. Would she still chew the cage if you gave her whimzee chews?
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Old 09-18-2020, 12:59 AM   #6
GoldenPabu
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Smile Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

I see a lot of people suggesting glass tanks but a larger and more affordable option would be to get a Detolf display case from IKEA, it's fairly large and you can fit a lot of substrate in there, if that option is too big you can try the Billy height extension units also from IKEA, they work great and while it works out to be more expensive than the Detolf it is expandable. Both would require you to make a DIY wire mesh lid but it isn't hard to do. If either of those options interest you ErinsAnimals on YouTube has shown how to make both including the lids. I think Victoria Raechel has also done something similar but I'm not sure, it's good to check out both of their channels anyway. Please feel free to ask questions about these cages, they really are great options for any hamster.
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Old 09-19-2020, 05:41 AM   #7
Petite
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenPabu View Post
I see a lot of people suggesting glass tanks but a larger and more affordable option would be to get a Detolf display case from IKEA, it's fairly large and you can fit a lot of substrate in there
Actually, that's what I meant when I said "glass tank" because it actually does function in exactly the same way. I have one and it's great - votes from both myself and hammy - and it can be quite a talking point. There's so much space that Freya never seems bothered about coming out.
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Old 09-19-2020, 06:01 AM   #8
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

The reason I said a tank and didn't mention the detolf is because excessive chewers can chew on the bars in the detolf Ideally you want a cage that has nothing she can get her teeth into on the inside.
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Old 09-19-2020, 07:47 AM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Agree she may chew the bars or end wood panels on a detolf although fixes for that area easier than fixes for plastic cage bases. The problem is glass tanks are always expensive new and I have never been able to find one second hand. But that would be a cheaper option if you can find a second hand four foot fish tank. It might need quite a bit of cleaning out. Jungle pets make custom tanks for hamsters that come with a lockable lid (wood frame with mesh). About £100 to £125 depending on the size
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Old 09-19-2020, 07:49 AM   #10
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Advice needed - my hamster keeps eating her cages

Jungle pets tank here. Delivery charge is extra I think. They can make one any dimensions you want - eg 40” x 20” deep by 18” tall (that is basically 100cm x 50 Cm). I had a quote for that kind of size once and it was about the same price as the standard four foot one but that is only 15” deep so not really deep enough floorspace wise. Some females are very active and need a lot of space and chew anything. Detolf would be half the price but you may get her chewing the bars.

https://www.junglepets.co.uk/hamster...-15-1393-p.asp
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