Why Do Hamsters Bite the Cage?

If you have ever owned a hamster, there's a good probability that you've heard the sound of teeth gnashing against metal bars. You might worry that your hamster will get out of its cage. Perhaps you think that escape is the goal of this behavior. The truth is, escape probably has nothing to do with the activity, but there are worse risks involved.

  1. Chewing In General

    • Gnawing is a big part of any rodent's life.

      Chewing and gnawing is one of the most common activities for hamsters, and rodents in general. In fact, the Latin word "rodere," from which "rodent" is derived, means "to gnaw." The instinct to gnaw and chew is driving force in rodent behavior. Most chewing in which hamsters engage is healthy. It goes beyond eating, but serves important functions for the hamster.

    Health Benefits and Risks

    • Rodents only have two teeth. They continue to grow throughout their life. Gnawing helps to keep the teeth ground down. If the teeth grow without this sort of countermeasure they can curve upward and grow into the roof of the hamster's mouth. So, gnawing serves and important function. However, chewing on non-movable metal, like cage bars, has health risks of its own. Hamsters can break their teeth. Even worse, it can cause shifting of the brain inside the skull, leading to brain damage.

    Alternatives

    • Since hamsters have a powerful drive to gnaw on things, one cause of cage chewing can be the lack of suitable alternatives. Make sure there are plenty of other things available to fulfill your hamster's chewing urge. Wooden items are great. Even a stick will work, but get it from the pet store to avoid pesticides. Empty toilet paper rolls are good, too. These can also provide bedding for your pet, filling another of your hamster's instincts.

    Toys

    • While a lack of sufficient fodder to chew can be one cause of bar chewing, general boredom can also be the culprit. Make sure your hamster has enough toys to provide things to do. Wheels are popular with hamsters and can use up a lot of energy. You'll probably find that your hamster spends a lot of time just running in his wheel. It will help her to burn off a lot of energy and fill the time.

    Different Housing Options

    • Despite your best efforts, you might find that your hamster continues to chew on the bars. Some hamsters just seem to enjoy this activity. If nothing else works, you might need to get a different enclosure for your pet. You could buy a glass aquarium and a screen top, like many people use to house reptiles. Be sure to use some weight on the lid, though. Hamsters have been known to lift those lids off and escape.