Here we can see, “What Should You Do If Your Hamster Bite at Its Cage?”
Hamsters, like other rodents, like gnawing on anything, including cage bars. Chewing is a natural and acceptable behavior in hamsters; however, certain objects can be dangerous, such as cage bars. Finding safer options for your hamster to chew on and knowing why your hamster has been bar chewing will help you avoid significant problems.
Why Do Hamsters Chew on Bars?
Hamsters gnaw on their cage bars for a variety of reasons.
Wearing down their teethÂ
Unlike humans, hamsters have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lifetimes. As a result, they must chew on things to keep them from becoming too long and causing issues. When the food provided to a hamster does not provide enough chewing motion, they will seek other items in their cage to munch on.
Boredom
Boredom may cause a hamster to begin bar chewing if there aren’t enough toys to play with or gnaw on. Hamsters, like other pets, require mental and physical stimulation, and if they are confined to a small, rectangular cage with nothing to do, they may turn to this behavior.
Stress
Hamsters may begin bar chewing to relieve stress produced by various environmental reasons. Extremely curious cats, toddlers who don’t understand how to be gentle while handling, cages too tiny, and bedding made of cedar and pine, which can be unpleasant to a hamster’s lungs and skin, are all instances of stress.
What is the issue with bar chewing?
Although it is natural for hamsters to gnaw on items, chewing on the bars of their cage should be avoided for various reasons.
Tooth trauma
If hamsters gnaw on hard cage bars, their teeth can be shattered, cracked, or otherwise injured, resulting in pain, inappetence, and infection. Even if a tooth does not appear to be shattered, damage may have occurred beneath the gumline, necessitating veterinary treatment.
Toxicity
While it is usually best to choose the safest and most secure cage for your hamster, some are painted and constructed of metal, which can be harmful if consumed.
Symptoms of tension or boredom
Boredom or anxiety can also cause bar biting. Allowing your hamster to be continuously anxious or bored is not healthy or fair, and it can develop into more serious behavioral or health issues. To avoid this problem, you could look into better managing their environment.
Escape
If a hamster is successful in chewing through the cage bars or damaging them enough to fit through them, it may be able to escape. In addition, a hamster left outside its cage is at risk of malnutrition or injury from other pets, people, furniture, and other objects.
Prevention and Treatment
There are a few basic methods for preventing hamsters from chewing on their cage bars.
To begin, make sure your hamster’s cage is well-stocked with safe items for it to gnaw on. Wooden toys such as ladders, hoses, rodent chew, or food blocks are excellent choices that may be replenished.
Next, make sure your hamster has access to an exercise wheel and other toys to climb, explore, and have physical fun.
Finally, make certain that your hamster is not stressed. Small cages may need to be replaced with larger ones, and the cage may need to be relocated. For example, if the cage is near a window, birds outside may appear scary to your hamster, and if the cage is close to the ground or if you have a cat that can reach it, it may need to be relocated so that your other pets do not scare your hamster.
Noisy or excitable children can also be a source of stress; therefore, the cage should be placed in a quiet room. Handling should be done gradually, positively, softly, and under adult supervision.
User Questions
Are hamster bites painful?
Hamster bites may be excruciatingly painful. On the other hand, Hamsters are rarely hostile, and their bites are usually superficial. To avoid infection, people who have been bitten should clean the wound with soap and water.
Is it possible for a hamster to chew through a metal cage?
Metal bars are not good to chew toys for hamsters, although they are designed to be chewed! Chewing on the metal bars of their cage can cause tooth damage and misalignment in your hamster. Misaligned teeth will need to be trimmed regularly and, if left untreated, might grow into your hamster’s brain and kill them!
What kinds of things can I feed my hamster to gnaw on?
Hamsters typically care for their teeth by biting on hard objects (like paper towel tubes or wooden treats). Dog biscuits are also a tasty treat because they are hard and assist in keeping a hamster’s teeth short while also offering a healthy supply of calcium!
Apple sticks are allowed for hamsters.
Natural Apple Chew Sticks are excellent for Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits, and Other Small Animal Pets.
Hamsters, can they eat cardboard?
Aside from wood chews, cardboard might be offered for chewing (and hiding). Hamsters also enjoy cardboard tubes made from paper towels and toilet paper rolls. There are also stronger commercial tubes and considered safe for chewing (e.g., Totally Chewbular Play Tubes).
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
