Why Is My Hamster Biting Its Plastic Cage? 6 Ways To Stop Them

Hamsters are constantly active and doing something all the time when they are in their cage. They often bite and chew a variety of things such as toys, cage bars, and anything that interests them.

But sometimes they overdo it by biting their plastic cage.

If this happens occasionally it is not so terrible, but if the hamsters start constantly biting the plastic cage, then it can be a cause for problems.

Why is my hamster biting its plastic cage?

Hamsters bite the plastic cage because they have a small cage, stress, because of their constantly growing teeth, and sometimes out of boredom or habit.

When hamsters bite the plastic cage it can be dangerous to their health and life if a piece of plastic gets stuck in their throat and can suffocate them.

In today’s article, you will learn all about the most common reasons why hamsters bite their cage, how dangerous it is, and how to prevent your pet from constantly biting the plastic cage.

Hamsters that constantly bite the plastic cage mean that they have a problem. They can bite if the cage is small, they can also bite because of their constantly growing teeth.

When hamsters are nervous, and stressed, this can be another reason for them to bite the plastic cage.

In the end, the hamsters may bite the plastic cage when they are bored or we do not pay them enough attention.

So let’s look at each of these reasons in detail.

When they are stressed or scared

When hamsters are stressed or scared, they bite the plastic cage. When the hamster does not feel comfortable in its environment or personally with you as an owner, it may then have fear or stress and bite the plastic cage.

This biting of the plastic cage is like a coping mechanism for this unwanted situation in which your pet found himself.

That is why it is of great importance to pay more attention to your hamster, as well as the surrounding environment.

Growing teeth are the reason why the hamster bites the plastic cage

Growing teeth are one of the most common reasons why hamsters bite their plastic cage.

It is known that the teeth of hamsters are constantly growing and they need to reduce them all the time so that they have the correct shape and do not interfere with eating food.

Especially their four front teeth which grow all the time should be constantly reduced because otherwise they feel itchy and need to reduce them.

Chewing and biting allow them to reduce their teeth and avoid discomfort.

Therefore, there should always be enough toys and objects in their cage with which they will reduce their teeth.

There are special toys for reducing the teeth of hamsters, the more you provide them with such toys, the less chance they will bite the plastic cage.

A small cage

When hamsters have a small cage, they bite it because they don’t feel comfortable and relaxed.

Hamsters like to have a cage big enough to run and play, climb stairs, and do other activities like digging and burying food in bedding.

Hamsters will bite the plastic cage as a sign that you should buy them a larger cage, for them it is recommended that the cage be at least 24 x 12 inches and 12 inches high.

The bigger the cage, the more comfortable the hamster will feel, it won’t be nervous and it won’t bite the plastic cage.why is my hamster biting its plastic cage

Hamsters need attention

Hamsters are very gentle and sensitive pets that need attention and love from their owners.

When the hamster does not have enough attention and care for him, he feels it and gets angry, and anxious and bites the plastic cage.

The more attention you give them, the less they will bite the cage.

That’s why you should talk to them, play with them and occasionally let them out of the cage to run into your room.

Hamsters bite the plastic cage out of habit

Hamsters can sometimes start biting the plastic cage for no particular reason.

they will start biting many objects in their cage at first when you bring them into your home, but sometimes this habit may not stop.

Because if the hamster is constantly biting the cage, then he may have become accustomed to it and therefore constantly does the same thing every day.

Therefore, you should notice his behavior in time and try to wean him from biting the plastic cage.

Lack of food

If the hamsters do not have enough food they may start biting the plastic cage.

When hamsters do not have enough food and chew toys in their cage they are then forced to bite the plastic.

Therefore, pay attention to how much food they need and never let them feel hungry for a long time because then they will bite the plastic cage.

Hamsters may bite the plastic cage out of boredom

When hamsters are bored, they may start biting the plastic cage.

When hamsters are locked in a cage, if they don’t have enough activities and entertainment, they will start biting the plastic cage out of boredom.

That’s why you should provide them with more toys, climbing ladders and of course an exercise wheel. The exercise wheel is one of the most important toys to keep the hamster entertained and not bored.

How to stop the hamster from chewing the plastic cage?

Obviously, chewing on the plastic cage can lead to serious health problems for hamsters and can cause suffocation and death, so it is of great importance that you find a solution to this problem.

So here are some ways to wean hamsters from biting the plastic cage.

Provide more toys

Toys are important for hamsters because they will distract hamsters from chewing on plastic cages.

The toys will not only prevent the hamster from biting the plastic cage, but they will also allow him to have proper teeth and be happier and more satisfied in his cage.

The last option is to buy a glass tank in which the hamster will not be able to bite the glass walls and will devote himself more to biting the toys in his cage.

Hamsters need a bigger cage

To reduce plastic cage biting you should provide the hamsters with a larger cage.

A cage with dimensions 24×12 and a height of 12 inches, and can be bigger so that the hamster can feel pleasant, comfortable, and can explore more.

The more comfortable the hamster is in its cage, the less likely it is to bite the plastic cage. Hamsters living in larger cages are happier and less stressed.

Less stress

When hamsters are stressed they bite the plastic cage. Hamsters need time to get used to their owners, so when you first buy a hamster, don’t pick it up right away, let it get used to you for a few days.

He will gradually get used to your smell, and since he has poor eyesight, he will usually recognize you by your smell.

Once he gets used to your presence he will be calmer with less stress.

Loud noise, other pets, and unknown people are the cause of stress in the hamster and biting the plastic cage, so it should be away from all these things that create more stress for it.why is my hamster biting its plastic cage

Enough food

Hamsters need to have enough food every day because they have a fast metabolism and get hungry quickly.

If they don’t have enough food or lack nutrients they will then start biting the plastic cage.

Measure their weight two to three times a week to know if they have enough food, if they lose weight then give them larger amounts or give them more food with protein.

Play with your hamster

Hamsters require attention from you to feel better, they know very well when someone cares for them, even though they don’t speak and don’t understand what we say to them.

Hamsters need daily talking and playing with them for at least an hour so that they are happy and not bored, and they will not bite the plastic cage.

Let them out of the cage to run and explore, because all these little things are big for your pet, and all together will contribute to him not thinking about biting the plastic cage all the time.

Buy a glass tank

If the hamster simply cannot be weaned from biting the plastic cage, then a radical solution is to buy a glass tank.

The hamster will not be able to bite the glass tank and he will wean himself from this habit.

Of course, this solution does not have to be permanent, you can return him to his plastic cage again when he stops and weans himself from this habit.

Read more: Why is My Hamster Bite the Water Bottle? Find Out Now

Is it dangerous if hamsters chew plastic?

When hamsters chew plastic, it can have unwanted health consequences.

If your hamster bites the plastic cage it may happen that a piece of the plastic breaks and causes a suffocation hazard for your little pet.

Plastic cages also contain toxic dyes that can cause certain problems with the digestive system of hamsters.

Obviously, hamsters should not chew their plastic cage often as the consequences can be fatal and lead to their death.

That is why it is necessary to prevent your hamster from biting the plastic cage, or at least that it does not happen so often.

Read more: What To Do When A Hamster Bites You? (Find Out Now)

Do hamsters often bite their cages?

Yes, hamsters bite their cages very often.

As long as the hamster only occasionally bites his cage, it is not so terrible, it is dangerous when he starts biting the cage constantly.

Therefore if you notice that the hamster is biting the cage then you need to help him stop this habit, give him more toys or more tunnels, games, and fun outside the cage to stop biting the cage.

Read more: Why Does Hamster Bite Bars in a Cage?

Conclusion

When hamsters bite the plastic cage it can have serious health problems and can cause choking from broken pieces of plastic.

If the hamster occasionally bites the plastic cage it is not terrible, but if this happens constantly you will have to find a way to stop this habit.

Put more toys in his cage, play with him, and let him out of the cage so that he has enough activities and stops biting the plastic cage.

As a last resort, buy a glass tank that he won’t be able to bite and keep him in it until he gets used to this habit, then you can put him back in the plastic cage again.

Read more: What Happens If A Hamster Breaks A Tooth? Find Out Now