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Pebbles82 · 03-17-2021, 03:18 PM

I think the bigger wheel will make a big difference

Sometimes they bar chew when something isn't right. Although the wheel isn't so small it should cause discomfort but they do seem to run better in a big wheel.

Also how long has she been in the Alaska? Cage changes are also stressful and it takes a good two weeks for them to adjust and feel settled. Apart from the above suggestions I'd also scatterfeed a bit (still put food in the bowl but scatter some as well) to distract her - they like foraging. Sometimes I scatter a few pumpkin seeds instead of hamster food.

These balls are also good for sticking sunflower seeds under the folds = that keeps them busy getting the seeds out. There are 3 balls but I only use the hyacinth one which is softer, safe for chewing and easy to stick the seeds under the folds. The sisal one I unravel and use as sisal string for tying things to the cage. The wicker one I don't use as I worry there are sharp bits if chewed.

Rosewood Boredom Breaker Small Animal Naturals Toy Trio of Fun Balls, Medium, 2 pack, 19572: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

Our current hamster likes to move his ball around sometimes! Currently he's pushed it into the front of his house (so no one can see inside

).

Another thing to consider adding (especially as you said she seemed scared of open space at first) is something hanging from the roof so it doesn't feel too exposed from above - that can freak some hamsters out. That can be tricky a) so as not to block access for you from the top entrance door and b) something suitable to hang. Fleece hammocks aren't suitable as they can be chewed (and she sounds like a chewer). You can get grass hammocks (this is where the sisal string comes in handy). The attached strings on the grass hammocks aren't that secure and you can hang them lower with longer string.

Or you can make one out of toilet rolls (10 toilet roll toys for hamsters on youtube). Vectis I think had a post on making one out of an egg box but I found that better for a dwarf hamster.

If you hang the hammock higher up then it gives overhead cover - I found attaching it to the underside of the door works so you can still open the door (but make sure the hamster isn't in the hammock when you open it! The hammock comes out with the door).

Other times I've attached one either side of the door and still been able to get my hand round it - with that cage it has a big front door so the top door isn't 100% necessary.

Trix-ie Natural 100% Grass Reed Rush Hammock Mat for Rats Ferrets Degus Hamsters Rodent: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

Main thing is avoid doing any cleaning out for at least a couple of weeks and just spot clean for a while to avoid stressing her. And not move things around or take something away (they don't seem to like things being removed! Unless it's a safety thing then you have to). Swapping the wheel over or adding something new usually works fine.

03-17-2021, 03:18 PM
Pebbles82 Hamster Antics Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 23,533	Re: Bar biting and cage set up I think the bigger wheel will make a big difference Sometimes they bar chew when something isn't right. Although the wheel isn't so small it should cause discomfort but they do seem to run better in a big wheel. Also how long has she been in the Alaska? Cage changes are also stressful and it takes a good two weeks for them to adjust and feel settled. Apart from the above suggestions I'd also scatterfeed a bit (still put food in the bowl but scatter some as well) to distract her - they like foraging. Sometimes I scatter a few pumpkin seeds instead of hamster food. These balls are also good for sticking sunflower seeds under the folds = that keeps them busy getting the seeds out. There are 3 balls but I only use the hyacinth one which is softer, safe for chewing and easy to stick the seeds under the folds. The sisal one I unravel and use as sisal string for tying things to the cage. The wicker one I don't use as I worry there are sharp bits if chewed. Rosewood Boredom Breaker Small Animal Naturals Toy Trio of Fun Balls, Medium, 2 pack, 19572: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies Our current hamster likes to move his ball around sometimes! Currently he's pushed it into the front of his house (so no one can see inside ). Another thing to consider adding (especially as you said she seemed scared of open space at first) is something hanging from the roof so it doesn't feel too exposed from above - that can freak some hamsters out. That can be tricky a) so as not to block access for you from the top entrance door and b) something suitable to hang. Fleece hammocks aren't suitable as they can be chewed (and she sounds like a chewer). You can get grass hammocks (this is where the sisal string comes in handy). The attached strings on the grass hammocks aren't that secure and you can hang them lower with longer string. Or you can make one out of toilet rolls (10 toilet roll toys for hamsters on youtube). Vectis I think had a post on making one out of an egg box but I found that better for a dwarf hamster. If you hang the hammock higher up then it gives overhead cover - I found attaching it to the underside of the door works so you can still open the door (but make sure the hamster isn't in the hammock when you open it! The hammock comes out with the door). Other times I've attached one either side of the door and still been able to get my hand round it - with that cage it has a big front door so the top door isn't 100% necessary. Trix-ie Natural 100% Grass Reed Rush Hammock Mat for Rats Ferrets Degus Hamsters Rodent: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies Main thing is avoid doing any cleaning out for at least a couple of weeks and just spot clean for a while to avoid stressing her. And not move things around or take something away (they don't seem to like things being removed! Unless it's a safety thing then you have to). Swapping the wheel over or adding something new usually works fine.