I thought the problem was settled... my hamster only chewed on the cage bars, along the door. I knew what that meant and have been working with him; its gotten better. But now he insists on chewing on the plastic igloo and the wheel.. one of the sturdy silent wheels. He has wood blocks and even better, one of those edible, all natural tree trunks. I notice there is some eating of it but not enough. It's mostly the noise that is the problem because it is upsetting my roommate and she bops my hamster :( He doesn't understand because its not wrong. (Now he bites because of her!!!) But I worry he isn't chewing the right things. My last hamster never chewed on anything, plastic, wood, ect and his teeth grew so long that the top two broke. I need help!!
2006-12-31 00:45:27 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
They bite on their bars to 'file' doing their growing incisors. If you find that one type of chewing block isn't working, try another. Hamsters have individual preferences for chew toys, eg. some like the wooden ones, others like the mineral stones.
I find that Nutri-Blocks are great to use- they're large, rectangular blocks packed with vitamins and minerals. Not only are they very nutritious for rodents, but since they're hard, they also act as a chewing aid. You mix a few in with their food: http://www.hagen.com/usa/small/basic/5-1.cfm
Failing that, use chew toys made out of applewood. They're a bit more expensive than your standard ones (which are usually made out of pine), but rodents love the taste- they also tend to last a bit longer: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/system/product_detail.php?productid=1751
Oh, and punch your roommate in the face, too. Bopping a hamster for gnawing on cage bars is like kicking a cat for meowing. >:(
2006-12-31 03:34:23 · answer #1 · answered by Jeremy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is normal if hamster chews on plastic and on the cage bars. I have a teddy bear hamster almost 1 years soon, and she's been doing that most of the time. And I've told that it's normal for them, and for there teeths. And for your roommate she can't not punish your hamster. It's a form of abused. Theses pets are part of family. Need love and caring. Good luck.
2006-12-31 04:24:47 · answer #2 · answered by Jo-Jo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh...well, don't change the cage unless it's too small for her. And Hamsters will chew or eat almost about anything. My hamsters are chewing the cage bars and everything that is newly introduced to them...they used to eat their own poop before but now they stopped. It's normal I think or perhaps your hamster wants to be out of the cage...you should let your hamster walk around in the room...but keep and eye on it!
2016-03-13 23:56:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Edgar, my son's hamster, chewed on the metal bars of his cage because, as you know, the teeth grow rapidly.
We just kept tossing in twigs for him to gnaw on. Also, we had a metal wheel, sturdy plastic house and ladder that were difficult to chew through.
If you have a metal wheel that squeaks, use vegetable oil to lubricate it. Non-toxic to hamsters.
Hammy New Year.
2006-12-31 00:56:33 · answer #4 · answered by Mary W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hamsters have personalities and tastes like people. your hamster could just want a different kind of wood or toy to chew, my hamster won't chew anything but carrots. try a flavored treat or something. it also depends on how old your hamster is, youner ones can be a bit rebellious. if you just got him, he could be trying to chew as an attempt to get out even if he knows it won't work. if he keeps chewing try calling a vvet to see if there might be anything else going on.
2006-12-31 07:24:26 · answer #5 · answered by Toripori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rodents gnaw. You can;t train it out of them. Some materials are, apparrently, better to gnaw than others. Bras are a favorite because they black access to all the other things your rodent would like to inspect and possibly gnaw. Every rodent I have ever owned enjoyed ganwing plastic.
Remember, the gnawing beahvior is extremel;y important to their health. Their incisors continue to grow constantly and need to be worn down.
2006-12-31 00:55:07 · answer #6 · answered by P. M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's just being his hamstery self. I hate to say it but I'd be tempted to get rid of your roomate! She musn't be allowed to 'punish' a pet for doing what comes naturally.
Best of luck.
2006-12-31 01:19:08 · answer #7 · answered by ratsinspace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only good solution (though a bit more costly) would maybe be to buy only the edible houses.... i know, that costs more, but it may be the only thing that works.... that, & continuing to offer plenty of chewies (try different ones, he may find one he loves & stick to it) may decrease his desire to chew quite as much? just a suggestion...good luck (oh, & i'd whop my roomy, while i was at it)
2006-12-31 15:09:39 · answer #8 · answered by Ashli B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, but I don't know 100%
2016-08-08 22:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Finally, that's what I was exploring for! Thanks op of this question.
2016-08-23 14:03:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋