Why Do Hamsters Chew on the Cage?

Hamsters make wonderful pets for families with young children. However, when left alone, the hamsters can have a mind of their own. Some may cling to a habit that is not only annoying for humans, but extremely dangerous to their own health. Hamsters sometimes chew the bars of their cage. The reasons for this behavior vary, but most are treatable.

  1. Features

    • Hamster owners may come home to find their hamster chattering their teeth on the bars of their cage. Some chew on the plastic portions of their cage too. Hamsters with ceramic food bowls also find a way to chew on those solid bowls.

    Identification

    • Hamsters chew on the bars of their cage for a variety of reasons. Hamster teeth grow continually, like your fingernails. They need to naturally wear down these teeth, or they become overgrown. A hamster's natural way of doing this is by chewing. Chewing helps sooth aching teeth. Much like a baby teething, hamsters will chew on the bars of their cage to relieve the pain of the growing teeth. Many hamsters also chew on the bars of their cage out of boredom. Warning their owner of a leaking water bottle, a lack of food and even if they have just given birth, are other reasons hamster will signal for your attention by chewing on the cage.

    Effects

    • Chewing on the bars of the cage is very unhealthy for pet hamsters. Chewing on hard metal, plastic, glass or ceramic may damage or chip the hamster's tooth. Also, the ongoing jarring motion from chewing can cause brain damage.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent a hamster from chewing on the bars of his cage, provide chew toys. Wooden toys, calcium chews and mineral blocks are all safe chew toys for hamsters. Hamsters must be supplied with chew toys to keep the teeth naturally filed down. If a hamster's teeth get overgrown, they can curve upward, and get lodged in the roof of their mouth. Be sure the hamster is getting ample exercise. Have a running wheel and play toys available in the cage. Allow the hamster time outside of the cage in a running ball or on a hamster playground. You need to stimulate the hamster's senses so he can fight boredom.

    Considerations

    • If the hamster continues to chew on the bars of the cage after being offered several chew toys and participating in activities, he may have anxiety. He may need a new cage. He may need to move to a new location in the house that is quieter. Or, he may simply just need to be socialized more. Remember, the hamster is a family pet. All members of the family should give him attention so that he stays social.