Bar chewing and nipping

[caity101]

I have a female winter white who is about middle aged. We had her in a smaller cage with no additions and after awhile she began chewing and climbing almost constantly and even nipping when we got her out (she didn't do this in the beginning). We figured it was boredom so we moved her into a large tank with a tank topper. She has more room than any of the other hamsters. She was fine for about 6 months and she's began chewing, climbing, and nipping again. I understand she's trying to tell me something but could she really need more room? She's in a cage the size designed for a rat. Do you think there's anything else that could be bothering her? And I should mention every time she chews and climbs we try to get her out to give her attention but even when we put her back she goes right back to chewing and climbing again for awhile until she gives up. And it's getting harder to get her out because she's nipping now. Don't know what to do. :/

[caro317]

Chewing and climbing are normal hamster behaviour, is the problem that she's not chewing the right things or is climbing too high and you're worried she'll hurt herself? Hammocks are good for layering to break potential falls. Also change the chew toys every few days. As for the nipping, are you able to get her directly into her ball from the cage without handling? If so I'd try that, letting her run for a bit to burn off some steam and then handling her from the ball, this avoids 'cage rage' / territorial behaviour. Also I know it sounds obvious but it's really important to wash your hands directly before handling or she'll think you're food