Dog Biscuits

[silverliner]

Hi everyone. Uhm, i've a question not far off the topic - how often can/should I give dog biscuits to my hamsters? I use the biscuits to divert them from chewing on the cage bars, which happens quite often (yes, i know there are other methods eg. chew blocks, i'm looking for them in stores). As much as I dont want them to hurt their little selves, I do know that there is a limit to giving them doggy biscuits and the last thing I want is to upset their little tummies. Please, does anyone know how many/how often is all right?

[GhostsInSnow]

I don't know what the limit is but my Syrian gets a milky bone biscuit once a week.
I got some chew blocks for her and they didn't work (She ignored them) but my dad is a wood carver so he's always bringing wood back from trees and stuff and he gave me some branches and sticks to put in her cage and it stopped her pretty much. (Can't remember what kind of branches they are but I know they're safe) She has the occasional bar chew but that's usually if I haven't had chance to get her out of the cage for her evening cuddle.

[silverliner]

Originally Posted by GhostsInSnow

I don't know what the limit is but my Syrian gets a milky bone biscuit once a week.
I got some chew blocks for her and they didn't work (She ignored them) but my dad is a wood carver so he's always bringing wood back from trees and stuff and he gave me some branches and sticks to put in her cage and it stopped her pretty much. (Can't remember what kind of branches they are but I know they're safe) She has the occasional bar chew but that's usually if I haven't had chance to get her out of the cage for her evening cuddle.

I just got the little darlings for about a week and i'm looking everything there is to know about hammies. The stores here carry a very limited range of hamster acessories, so i'm going about everywhere to find chew toys for them (i'm so worried, i've read continuos cage bar chewing can result in brain damage). i wonder if i swapped their metal cage for a plastic one with tubes for them to run in would it be better? or maybe i'm over-reacting - i've had them for only a week, after all.

[GhostsInSnow]

I don't know about the brain damage but it can damage their teeth. They can chip or break off completely, also the bars can rub the area above the nose and rub the fur away and leave sore patches.
I myself would stick with a bar cage rather than a plastic tank with tubes as the ventilation can be bad and hams can get stuck in the tubes.
Bar chewing can be because of boredom or lack of space. A good place to start would be to ensure you have the right sized wheel etc for the hamster(s)
Also, if they came from a store/breeder and were in a tank, they may not be used to bars so could be testing just to see if there's a way out

[silverliner]

Yup yup, read about those effects too. Oh dear, so a plastic cage with tubes is a no-no Yes, they were in a glass aquarium actually. Should I opt for that..? Or perhaps the basic box that others use to make their fancy bin cages?

As for space, I'm planning to make a maze for them, out of cut-and-glued cardboard box parts. Also, maybe a playpen out of the same material, though i just came across one owner who made hers out of pieces of coroplast secured together by crocodile clips(?). Hers has the advantage of mobilty; it can be taken apart and kept in a stack when not in use.

[GhostsInSnow]

The playpen is a good idea
Perhaps make a bin cage if you feel comfortable doing it. There's a good guide over in the housing thread and you can customize it and make it look how you want Or an aquarium is good.
The good thing about a bin cage is they're not too expensive to make and they're stackable and don't take up too much room. So if you ever got more hamsters, their cages would be stackable

[LancashireLass]

I usually give Poppy a Puppy Bonio once a week, she loves them and i believe they are good for gnawing on, she looks so cute when she carries it round her cage. I don't think its doing her any harm as a weekly treat. I would avoid the flavoured dog biscuits, just stick to the plain ones.

[silverliner]

Originally Posted by GhostsInSnow

The playpen is a good idea
Perhaps make a bin cage if you feel comfortable doing it. There's a good guide over in the housing thread and you can customize it and make it look how you want Or an aquarium is good.
The good thing about a bin cage is they're not too expensive to make and they're stackable and don't take up too much room. So if you ever got more hamsters, their cages would be stackable

Should i line the base of the playpen with some bedding? scrolling through the housing thread now, looking for bin cage threads. i'd love to swap to an aquarium, but it's poor mobility; i study in a different state and my hometown's in another.

[silverliner]

Originally Posted by LancashireLass

I usually give Poppy a Puppy Bonio once a week, she loves them and i believe they are good for gnawing on, she looks so cute when she carries it round her cage. I don't think its doing her any harm as a weekly treat. I would avoid the flavoured dog biscuits, just stick to the plain ones.

I see. Is twice a week okay..? I've researched foods that are safe for hamsters and double-checked it with the ingredients in the biscuits I give them just one to share (should i give them one each?) when the time comes and my winter pearl (Snow) hogs it all to herself (it's a very tiny piece so she's able to carry it in her mouth and run on all fours ) and doesnt share with my winter gold (Ember).

[GhostsInSnow]

Ah I think perhaps a Bin Cage is more suited to your needs then Easily transportable unlike an aquarium.
Bedding in the playpen is your choice. I don't bother as Fudge isn't really in there for too long. Personal Preference though