My hamster has a peculiar behaviour..

Atomii · 03-02-2018, 09:35 PM

My hamster is 4 weeks old, and so far I've been very successful with the taming process. She is willing to take treats out of my palm, but there's one thing that sort of confuses me.

She has gotten into the habit of chewing on her cage bars, and it seems like she only does it around my presence. I tested this by leaving her alone for a while, then coming back, and unfortunately I was correct.

I've also crossed out anything that her cage-biting might be due to: my cage is well over the standard size, I've bought her chew toys and chew sticks (she doesn't like to use them though). The only thing left it to use the olive oil method, but I'm reluctant to as I don't know the cause of her biting, and that she doesn't have a special area where she does it.

I could understand if it was to keep her teeth level, but I don't understand why it seems like she only does it when I'm near. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

CMB · 03-03-2018, 08:48 AM

Try getting her a whimzee chew (sold for dogs, but safe for hamsters and most hamsters love them).

Have a look at the managing bar chewers thread. There are some good ideas there.

Adjusting/adding things to the cage to suit your hamster can help.

cypher · 03-03-2018, 09:35 AM

That sounds like attention seeking which isn't that unusual.
Try not to respond when she does it, if you ignore her it will help break the habit.
How much out of cage time is she having? Maybe try giving her more time in a play pen or safe play area where you can interact with her & she can explore new things.
I wouldn't put anything on the bars, it rarely helps & isn't good for them. If you want to do anything with the bars try weaving cardboard through if there's one particular spot where she chews, she'll probably chew that but at least it won't damage her teeth & you can replace it as needed, some people also put wooden pegs on the bars to prevent chewing.
The whimzee dog chews are enjoyed by most hams so I'd definitely second that.
If you have a photo of your cage set up we might be able to offer other ideas to help.

Atomii · 03-03-2018, 02:56 PM

Thank you!

I will definitely try getting her some Whimzee dog chews.
I haven't let her out of her cage yet because she is still frightened by my touch, and not completely tamed.
Also, it seems that when she is biting her cage, she wants me to go away. I inferred this because she chatters her teeth in between.

I've included a photo of her cage; I believe the dimensions are 32cm by 63cm by 32cm. Top right is her nest, bottom right is the food bowl, bottom left is the litter box, and top left is the most common spot where she bites the cage.

cypher · 03-03-2018, 10:50 PM

It looks as though the cage set up is the problem, it doesn't appear to have much in the way of places where she can feel safe.
Too much open space is very intimidating for them, you need to find a balance so she doesn't hide away completely but also she can feel safe, hide out in a nice house or other hideout or dig down into the substrate.
How deep is the base of the cage? Ideally you want about 15-20 cm of substrate in there.
Those plastic igloo houses aren't all that healthy as it can get damp in there & they aren't completely dark as a hamster house should be.
I would find a cardboard box (a shoe box is perfect) turn it upside down so there's no base & just cut a door in one side, give her a big pile of shredded plain white toilet tissue to make a nest, you can put a few sheets up your sleeve before shredding & putting it in the cage, that will help her get used to your scent.
Then I would put more toys & hideouts in, you don't want it too crowded but not too much open space either, things like coconut hideouts, cardboard tubes (lots of people use pringle tubes for syrians) anything to make her feel safer & give her lots to do.
Have a look through this thread for some cage set up ideas, a lot of photos are missing now but it might still be helpful.
Let's See Your Cages (May 2016)
Your cage is very small too, if you're in the UK you can get some great cages from Zooplus, the Barney is the most popular followed by the alaska.
There's also the savic plaza which is a great cage but more expensive.

CMB · 03-04-2018, 07:44 AM

A level/platform can give overhead cover and give somewhere extra to add toys etc

GhostArya · 03-04-2018, 09:27 AM

My hamster sometimes climbs on his cage when he wants to be held, but once he discoveres I am not going to take him out he just goes on doing what he was doing before. I agree with other, I would add more toys and places for him to hide, I have a similarly sized cage (and upgrading to bigger), but I try to put in tunnels and I noticed he loves to hide in the corner behind his house.

Cant wait for your progress.