The main reasons why hamsters bite their cages include teeth grinding, stress, being unable to adapt to the environment, and lack of trace elements, etc. As rodents, hamsters' teeth keep growing continuously. So they need to gnaw on things to wear down their overly long teeth, which is one of the most fundamental reasons. Besides, hamsters may bite their cages to vent their emotions or seek attention when they feel bored, lonely or anxious. When hamsters can't adapt to a new environment or feel stressed, they might also express their dissatisfaction by biting the cage.
The ways to solve the problem of hamsters biting their cages include providing teeth grinding tools, improving the environment and increasing interaction. Providing hamsters with specialized teeth grinding tools, like grinding stones and wooden blocks, can meet their needs for grinding teeth. Adding toys and activity facilities in the cage, such as running wheels, tunnels and climbing frames, can help hamsters enrich their lives and reduce boredom. Interacting with hamsters regularly, like gently stroking them and talking to them, can enhance the emotional bond. Providing hamsters with a quiet and stable living environment and avoiding frequently changing their living space or the surrounding items can help them adapt to the new environment.
Hamsters biting their cages may also be related to health issues, such as dental problems or malnutrition. Regularly checking hamsters' teeth and oral health and ensuring their diet is balanced by providing sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals can help prevent related health problems.