Recent Feedback
My hamster has recently started gnawing frantically on her water bottle in her cage, as if she is trying to get out. I have her in her ball for a very long time (putting her back in the cage every 20mins or so for toilet, water, food...) but she is always pining to get out. I worry most about the water bottle as she has managed to knock it down in the past - that gap is all she would need to gnaw her way out! Really not sure what I should do and am worried about her.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Syrian Hamster Gender: Female Age: 10 months Name of Animal: Marshmallow Already Tried: Have taped bottle to side of (plastic) cage on outside to secure it. She has so many things to gnaw on and explore within her cage, and she is out in her ball for a good few hours every evening. I used to let her run freely in my room as it is hamster-proof, but she started digging at the corners of the carpets and is a nightmare to catch.
Hello,
What type of cage does Marshmallow have? Is it bars or plastic like a habitrail?
What type of toys does she have to gnaw on?
Do you have the water bottle that hangs outside the cage?
What type of bedding do you use?
Joan
Hi, it's the large furplast one (72cm by 38cm, or something). She has a wicker house which she also chews on, and a number of other wooden things. Yes the bottle hangs outside the cage. She has shredded jay-cloths for making her bed.
With the situation that is going on if she is able to gnaw through where she can get out, you may need to change the type of cage you are using. I am sure Marshmallow has figured that may be a way out. Hamsters are great escape artists. Hamsters love to explore and get loose. It sounds like she has plenty of toys to keep her busy.
Habitrail makes a habitat that is very secure and has all type of activity add ons. It is safe where she cannot get out. This is a link for habitrail: http://www.habitrail.com/ovo/eng/index.php?color=white
I would also give her plenty of gnawing activity toys as well as have her into the Exotic Vet to have her teeth checked to be sure that she is not having and tooth problems that is causing the excessive gnawing.
It is very wise to keep an eye on her with that water bottle area because if she gets out it may be hard to catch her and when Hamsters hide, they are not easy to find.
Experience: Vet Tech for 30+yrs. Small Animals and Fish