If you’ve ever heard the sound of your hamster chewing away at his cage late at night, you know how annoying it can be. The constant gnawing sound can be a nuisance and keep you up at night.
To stop your hamster from chewing on its cage, provide plenty of chew toys, such as wooden blocks and sticks. Hamsters love to gnaw, and having plenty of chewable fun will keep them occupied. A bigger cage can also help, as it gives your hamster more space to move around and explore.
In the rest of this guide, I will explain why your hamster may be biting its cage and offer tips on stopping it. Keep reading if you want your hamster to let you sleep!
Why Does My Hamster Bite the Cage at Night?
There are many potential reasons why your hamster may be biting their cage at night. The most common include:
Boredom
Hamsters are natural explorers and need lots of stimulation to stay happy. They require enough space to roam, explore, and play. If your hamster seems bored, it may start biting its cage to try and create more excitement. Boredom can also cause your hamster to feel frustrated and act out.
Insufficient Chewing Toys
Chewing toys are an essential part of any hamster’s life. Not only do they help wear down their constantly growing teeth, but they also provide stimulation and keep them entertained. However, if there are not enough chew toys in the cage, your hamster may resort to biting its own cage.
Stress
A stressful environment can cause your hamster to become anxious and start biting its cage. Hamsters are very sensitive animals, so any changes in their environment, such as loud noises, excessive light, or overcrowding, can all cause stress.
Lack of Enough Space
A small, confined space can leave your hamster feeling stressed and frustrated. They may start biting their cage to create more space or escape the tight confines. Hamsters need lots of room to move around and explore, and a bigger cage can give your hamster the space it needs.
Hunger
Proper nutrition and adequate feeding are crucial for happy and healthy hamsters. If your pet isn’t getting enough food, it may bite its cage in search of something edible. This is especially true for young hamsters who are still growing and need lots of food to meet their nutritional needs.
Need Attention
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night. They may chew on their cage to get attention from their owners. This is common for new hamsters or those that haven’t been handled regularly.
How to Get Hamster To Stop Chewing on Cage?
Luckily, there are many ways to help your hamster stop chewing its cage. Here are some easy and effective tips:
1. Provide Plenty of Chew Toys
Provide your hamster with lots of chew toys to redirect its chewing energy away from the cage. Give them plenty of wooden blocks and sticks, small pieces of rawhide or cardboard, and other chewable items such as apple tree branches. Check the toys for signs of damage or wear and replace them as necessary. You can find hamster toys online or from your local pet store.
2. Create a Stimulating Environment
Ensure your hamster’s cage is interesting and stimulating. Add some tunnels, hideaways, and other fun items to explore. You can also rotate their toys every few days to give them something new to play with. Change up their bedding every week to keep the cage clean and odor-free.
3. Increase the Cage Size
If your hamster’s cage is too small, consider upgrading to a bigger one. This will give your pet more space to roam and explore, reducing the chances of them getting bored and biting the cage. If you have two or more hamsters, ensure the cage is big enough for them to move around comfortably.
4. Provide Adequate Food and Water
Your hamsters should get enough food and water to meet their nutritional needs. Feed them a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats. Refill their food bowl daily and check the water bottle regularly to ensure it’s full.
5. Handle Regularly
Interacting with your hamster regularly can help reduce stress, improve their overall health, and prevent cage biting. Create a handling routine and stick to it. Be gentle when handling your hamster, and don’t overstress them. Use your hands to gently pet and stroke your hamster and offer them treats to reward good behavior.
Final Thoughts
Cage biting at night is not only a nuisance but can also be detrimental to your hamster’s health. By following the tips outlined above, you can help your hamster stop biting its cage at night and create a stimulating environment for them to thrive in.
Be sure to provide your hamster with plenty of food, water, chew toys, space to roam, and regular handling. Be patient and consistent, and you should soon see a difference in your hamster’s behavior.