Do you have a hamster that loves to lick its cage? If so, you’re not alone, as this behavior is typical among hamsters. However, there are a few reasons your pet might be doing it.
Your hamster is licking the cage because it lacks sodium. Hamsters need sodium to stay healthy, and licking the cage could be your pet’s way of getting that mineral. Without the right amount of salt in their diet, hamsters seek alternative sources such as salt licks or your hand.
This article will explore why hamsters lick the cage and what you can do about it. So keep reading to learn more about why your pet is licking the cage and how you can help.
Is It Normal for Hamsters To Lick Their Cages?
Exploring their environment is a natural behavior for hamsters, and this often involves licking and chewing. Licking the cage walls can be comforting for your furry companion, satisfying its innate curiosity about its habitat.
By exploring through tasting with their tongue, hamsters can gain information in an enjoyable way that helps them feel more settled in their home environment. However, excessive licking can indicate a problem.
If you notice that your hamster is licking its cage more than usual, it could signify something is wrong.
Reasons Why Hamsters Lick Their Cages
While it’s normal for hamsters to lick their cages occasionally, there could be a few other reasons your pet might be licking the walls. If you start to notice that your hamster is licking the cage more than usual, there could be an underlying problem.
They might need more sodium, or they might need a little more stimulation in their days.
They Lack Sodium In Their Diets
In the wild, hamsters have been observed to lick stones and other objects to gain sodium. However, captive hamsters usually get enough sodium from their diet.
Still, excessive licking can be a sign that they are not getting enough.
You may need to adjust their diet accordingly or provide a salt lick for them to lick. The best way to ensure your pet gets enough of this vital nutrient is to pay close attention to what goes in their food bowl.
Examine the ingredients label of the commercial feed you provide, and ensure they get enough sodium.
As a LAST resort, consider supplementing their diet with a Himalayan salt lick or other specialty items explicitly formulated for small pets. Remember not to overdo it, as too much salt can damage their kidneys.
Your Hamster Is Curious To Explore Their Surroundings
Being curious is one of the natural traits of hamsters, and they use their sense of smell and taste to satisfy this curiosity by exploring the world around them.
For example, they lick their cage walls to discover new textures and smells. This behavior may seem unusual to us, but it helps them understand their environment better by gathering sensory information about their surroundings since they have poor eyesight.
As fascinating as this exploration process is, owners must be aware that the cage walls can have sharp edges and other dangers.
What To Do If Your Hamster Is Licking the Cage Excessively
If you notice your hamster licking the cage more than usual, it’s not necessarily something to worry about. However, it may be an indication that something is wrong. Let’s look at the most common solutions for this situation.
Provide Adequate Nutrition
Hamsters require food high in fiber and protein, plus some veggies and fruits. They can consume about 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of food daily.
It’s essential to provide them with commercial feed formulated explicitly for small pets, such as hamsters and mice. DON’T feed them food formulated for rabbits, as this can lead to obesity.
Here’s a suggested diet for maintaining the health of your pet hamster:
- 75% dry commercial feed
- 20% fresh fruits and veggies
- 5% treats
Provide Mental Stimulation
Your hamster needs a lot of stimulation to stay healthy and entertained. Invest in toys to keep them physically and mentally active, and make sure to spend quality time with them daily.
Some recommended toys include:
- Exercise wheels
- Chew sticks and blocks
- Climbing ladders
- Hiding places
The more stimulation they get from you or their environment, the LESS likely they will lick their cage excessively. Stimulation also helps to prevent cage rage and boredom.
To Wrap Things Up
Hamsters are known to lick their cages for various reasons, but excessive licking can indicate something is wrong. If you notice this behavior, try to identify the underlying cause and adjust accordingly.
By providing adequate nutrition, mental stimulation, and a safe environment for your pet, you can ensure they stay healthy and happy. You can both have a pleasant time together with patience and dedication.