Chinese hamster chewing on bars?

[ichijyushi]

I thought I heard my Chinese hamster chewing on the bars when I was half asleep but wasn't sure if he was just moving around or not. Just now I found him chewing on the bars behind his hiding house and I see there are some marks so he's been at it before.

I have wooden chew sticks and toys in there for him but he doesn't seem to chew them, although I have heard him chew on the wooden pop-cycle house I made for him. I also made a puzzle toy for him and put some treats in there but he doesn't seem interested in it like my other hamster is. I also tried to scatter feed a little since I heard that also helps. He doesn't seem to run on his wheel as often as the other one either.

He used to live with the other hamster but they started to fight often so I separated them, he stayed in the original cage. The other hamster is doing fine since moving to a new cage. Is it possible he is depressed or bored because he doesn't have a companion anymore?

[CMB]

If they have recently been separated. He may still be adjusting to living alone. He should become more settled in time.

[cypher]

It can take them a while to adjust after being separated so it could be that, it's not that they get depressed, lonely or bored it's just normal adjustment to any big change.
How long has it been?

Have you checked the wheel spins enough & is big enough? Chinese are long so a wheel needs to be 20cm.

Try giving whimzee/antos dog chews & see if those help, my Chinese tend to prefer Greenies, I know some people don't like those but the occasional one is fine.

You could try blocking the bars if he's just chewing in one spot, use cardboard or bendy bridges.

Has he got plenty of deep substrate to dig in? Chinese love to dig & burrow & that can help distract them from doing things like bar chewing.

Which cage does he have?

[Crystalroborovski]

I'm no expert on bar chewing, but here's my two cents

He probably will be a little off for a few days after being separated from his cagemate. When I separated my robos one was very skittish for about a week or two. It's been a month now and I'm finally able to tame him. Now both of my hamsters seem happier- the one who was getting picked on is a lot more playful and the "bully" is glad he doesn't have to share!

If he isn't running on his wheel often I would first check the wheel itself to see if it is large enough and working properly. Also check him for any leg, claw or toe injuries- he could be in pain while he's running so he may not be doing it as much. Just a thought.

You can try blocking the spots where he's chewing with cardboard. There are several threads on here about how to stop bar chewing- there's a good one by Vectis Hamstery. If I find a link I'll edit my post to add it.

I've found that both of my robos LOVE whimsee dog chews (either the toothbrush or the crocodile shaped ones. They're both the same minus the different shape). They both have never taken much interest in chews or wooden toys to chew on however they love to chew on their whimsies.