To effectively stop pet hamsters from chewing their cages at night, a combination of environmental adjustments, behavioral interventions, and health management is needed. Here’s a systematic solution:
1. Meeting Physiological Needs: Chewing and Nutrition
Provide Chewing Tools
Hamsters’ teeth grow about 1mm daily, so they need to chew to control their length. It’s recommended to place natural chewing items like apple twigs, mineral chews, or corn cobs, and regularly switch up the types to prevent boredom.
If your hamster chews cage wires frequently, replace the cage with an acrylic one to remove the chewing points.
Supplement Trace Elements
Pica (abnormal eating) may be caused by deficiencies in zinc, iron, or other elements. Choose hamster-specific food with added minerals, or supplement with pet-grade trace element tablets.
2. Optimizing the Living Environment
Expand Activity Space
Medium to large hamsters like Syrian hamsters need a cage at least 60cm wide, with tunnels, digging areas (using thick bedding), and climbing structures to reduce anxiety-driven chewing.
Example: Some owners have significantly reduced cage-chewing by using earthen pots to simulate natural burrows.
Increase Nighttime Enrichment
A silent exercise wheel (with a diameter of ≥25cm) can help burn energy, paired with toys like swings or mazes to distract them.
Allow 30 minutes of supervised playtime daily in a closed, safe area to satisfy their curiosity.
3. Behavioral Correction Strategies
Avoid Misguided Reinforcement
Never feed your hamster immediately when it chews the cage—this creates a wrong association: “chewing = getting food.” Instead, reward it after it calms down.
Sync Schedules Gradually
Use a dark cloth to create a dim environment during the day to encourage rest, and at night, use a low-wattage light (2700K color temperature) to mimic daytime, slowly adjusting its active hours.
4. Health Monitoring and Emergency Care
Regular Oral Checks: Overgrown teeth may need manual trimming (done under professional guidance) to prevent oral injuries.
Emergency Isolation: If accompanied by rapid breathing, diarrhea, or other symptoms, check for illness and consult a vet promptly.
With comprehensive intervention, most hamsters will reduce cage-chewing within 1–2 weeks. If the problem persists, consider consulting an exotic pet veterinarian for further evaluation.