Welfare Question - hamster won't chew on things

Sams Mum · 05-04-2009, 08:03 AM

Hi there,

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with my dwarf hamster's teeth as he eats just fine, but he's not interetsed in the chew sticks I've been trying him with. What else can I try him on to encourage him to chew? I don't want his teeth to get overgrawn as he gets older.

Thanks,

Sam's Mum

chavvy91 · 05-04-2009, 09:19 AM

Hi,

You could try this DIY hamster chew toy, Its not my idea, but heres a link to it, you may have seen it before:

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=4810

I made one for my hamster Sammi and he loved it, but make sure you use paper bedding and not wool bedding if you decide to have a go! But its a great way to get them chewing, or you could just give your ham toilet roll tubes as they are, they seem to love chewing thoose!

Also have you seen the seed bars in pet shops that have a hook so you can attach it to the cage? They work well too

Sams Mum · 05-04-2009, 09:37 AM

Hi there chavvy,

What a good idea! The photo of the destroyed toy in the link made me giggle! I will give it a go.

Aren't those seed bars you can buy full of honey/sugar and therefore un-nutritious and bad for a hammy's teeth? what do you (and others) think?

Thanks,

Sam's Mum

chavvy91 · 05-04-2009, 10:52 AM

I use Johnsons fruity sticks, they are a natural product, to be used as a supplement to their normal diet, but yeah they do contain honey!
I only give him them as a treat, not often, and seen as he enjoys it so much id recommend them! But thats just my opinion!
But yeah the DIY toy is great!

internet_nobody · 05-04-2009, 11:01 AM

The food he eats should keep his teeth trim enough. You could try him with dog biscuits though, mine like the pedigree milky bones.

Sams Mum · 05-04-2009, 11:28 AM

Ah, thanks internet nobody. I have some miniature ones for small breed puppies left over from when I used to keep rats, so will try him on those halved.

Sam's Mum

Katty_Sheldon · 05-04-2009, 01:32 PM

Yep,
my winter white dwarf is not interested in toilet rolls, mineral blocs, i did the toy and he liked it for a few nights, but just couldnt get trough those small holes poor guy. But he is eating (a lot!) and has no problem chewing other stuff so i guess he is just so spoilt that he will chew only some yummy food! I thought he will just destroy any paper i give him, but he prefers seeds really... cant blame him