Hamsters (and many other pets) gnaw their cages for a variety of reasons, one of which is that they don't spend enough time outside the cage. Here are some tips on how to correct many bored hamsters' habit of nibbling the cage.
Steps
Step 1. Get your dwarf hamster more often to play outside the cage
Let it run over you, on your bed or in a suitable hamster-proof area. Another possibility is to put it in a high-sided cardboard box from time to time. Throw him some good treats, place toys and piles of torn paper. This will give him a chance to be in a different place and have fun.
Note: The hamster may need a larger cage if he is constantly gnawing on his own
Step 2. Put on a hoodie, tuck your hamster in the hood and go about your activities around the house
He will enjoy being carried around, changing places and being with you. Also, make the hamster take breaks to eat and litter if you want the hood to stay clean and odor-free!
- Make sure the hamster doesn't fall out of the hood. Wear the shirt inside out. This way, the hood will stand in front of you and you can always keep an eye on the animal.
- For hygiene and to prevent the spread of pathogens, wash your sweatshirt often and / or don't put your hamster in too often.
Step 3. Build a hamster maze using cardboard boxes, toilet paper tubes, etc
Make sure there are holes for air to pass through, holes for the hamster to pop out and many entry / exit points. Spread some good treats here and there and put the hamster in them.
- Do not use duct tape for the maze, as the hamster may chew it and this could make it very bad or make it sick.
- If you are worried that the hamster escapes the maze and gets into trouble, put the maze in a cardboard box high enough for the hamster to not jump out.
- You can also equip the hamster-proof bathtub and put the maze there.
Step 4. Many hamsters also enjoy walking around outdoors
If you have an adventurous hamster, we recommend that you buy him a leash and harness. Many pet shops have very small ones that don't cost much. Don't let the hamster walk on concrete - grass is better. If it's a hot day, give him a break to drink and eat every few minutes; if it is cold, do not take the hamster outside, as these animals get sick easily.
Step 5. Place some colorful nibbling toys (available at pet stores) or an apple tree branch in the cage
By chewing on these things, the hamster will grind his teeth and you will avoid constant trips to the vet. Plus, you'll encourage the hamster's natural instinct to gnaw without ruining the cage!
Advice
- Spend time playing with the hamster and be calm and quiet when you are with him. When he sleeps, cover the cage with a towel or tarp so he can feel comfortable.
- The hamster does not have to be in a noisy environment: it has very sensitive hearing.
- Do not squeeze, pull in and out, swing or spin the hamster when it is in the hamster wheel (don't do it anyway!) - it will make him dizzy and may even cause brain damage. In addition, the hamster may get scared and it is also very likely that it will fall!
- Be wary of dangerous objects on the surface the hamster is moving on: it could ingest them and become ill or die.
- Don't let there are too many people around the hamster - he may get scared.
- Not sure if the hamster is gnawing at the cage? Check the metal bars for areas where there is no more paint. If the bars are not painted, look for deformations or scratches on the bars.
- As for dwarf hamsters, it is better to keep them in tanks made from recycled materials or in an aquarium, rather than in cages with bars.
- If the hamster bites the bars of the cage, he may be at risk of escaping. Check the status of the bars every day.
- If the hamster bites you, don't drop it - it could hurt itself very much.
- Do not let small children hold the hamster. Hold it in your hand and let them caress it.
- Be careful not to lose the hamster when you take him out!
- Keep an eye on your little friend.
- In pet stores, bitter sprays are available that are not harmful to the hamster if these tips don't work.
Warnings
- If you own a golden / Syrian hamster, Not put it with other hamsters: they would fight.
- Always check your hamster when you let him play outside the cage.
- Eliminate all sharp objects and small pieces that the hamster might ingest.
- Don't mix hamsters of different sexes if you don't want to have a litter.
- Keep hamsters away from electrical wires.
