How to Stop a Hamster from Gnawing Its Cage

Because there are three main reasons why your hamster gnaws at its cage, there are three ways to go about stopping such behavior. The main reason hamsters gnaw is to grind down their continuously growing teeth. Otherwise, their teeth would grow back into the gums. Also, according to Animal World, a hamster can run on a hamster wheel eight miles in one night. If your hamster's cage contains nothing on which it can climb or explore, it can easily become bored and begin gnawing to expel pent-up energy. Finally, hamsters are naturally anti-social. Your hamster may be trying to gnaw through the cage to escape the blind date you've tossed in with it. Unless you have Dwarf hamsters -- who are used to living in clusters -- it's never a good idea to put two hamsters in a cage together. Before you pawn your hamster off on an unsuspecting friend, try these simple solutions to halt its cage-biting habits.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog biscuits
  • Hamster chew block
  • Mineral block
  • Hamster wheel
  • Hamster ball
  • Tunnels
  • Extra cages
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Instructions

  1. Gnawing to Trim Teeth

    • 1
      Don't let your hamster chew anything besides hamster food, mineral blocks, dog biscuits or wood blocks.

      Provide your hamster with healthy, colorful carrot-shaped wood blocks to satisfy its chewing habit. Dog biscuits and mineral blocks also are great alternatives to wood, as both provide extra nutrients.

    • 2

      Place the wood sticks or biscuits in the areas of the cage where your hamster is prone to biting.

    • 3

      Replace the chew sticks or biscuits as they are eaten and worn so your hamster won't have an excuse to return to gnawing at the cage.

    Gnawing from Boredom

    • 4

      Add a cage wheel, a few tunnels and a ladder to the cage, so your hamster can explore and release its nighttime energy.

    • 5

      Remove any other pets from your bedroom, and allow your hamster a chaperoned opportunity to explore the area for 10 minutes before returning it to the cage.

    • 6
      A hamster ball gives your pet some freedom without allowing it to run rampant.

      Place the hamster in a hamster ball and allow him to explore his environment within the safety of the ball.

    Gnawing to Escape

    • 7

      Get a separate cage for each of your hamsters.

    • 8
      Hamsters are happiest when they live alone.

      Put your most recently acquired hamsters into these new cages.

    • 9

      Space the cages away from each other to prevent further anxiety.