Hamster chewing wood toys & digging bedding: Is it safe or normal?

This may just be their instinct to make the bedding deep so that they can burrow into the bedding at the bottom of the cage. You can try a different bedding (paper bedding such as Carefresh is the current recommendation, if that is not available then pine or aspen shavings) to see if it changes the behavior.

Thanks for reaching out about Remy. Plants must be non toxic, including stems, leaves and root. Soil could also be a problem, as contains bacteria and needs to be potted and watered. Wood used to build toys and the cage, must also be non-toxic and aromatic. Even if non-toxic, wood can easily be chewed, is porous and therefore difficult to disinfection. That is why wood is not recommended to build cages. Good luck.

It is completely normal for a hamster to chew and chew and chew! Just be sure you are offering plenty of safe options for him to chew on, which it sounds like you are doing already. You may need to move him to a metal/wire cage that he cannot chew on and remove the plastic housing so he does not ingest any plastic. It is also normal for him to be a little jumpy as he is still getting used to his surroundings. Just continue working with him and encouraging him to come to you. Using his favorite treats can help too. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Care fresh bedding is what is recommended. It is the safest, healthiest bedding. Controls odors up to two times longer than traditional bedding. Absorbs up to three times its weight in liquid. Made from reclaimed wood pulp waste, not recycled paper. *99% dust-free for easy cleanup *Natural paper small animal bedding *CareFresh pet bedding with 10-day odor control formula *Absorbs 3 times more liquid than wood shavings Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It would depend on the species of vine being offered. Certain woods, such as Apple, Ash, Sycamore and Willow, are safe for gerbils to chew on. Gerbils like to burrow, so the layer of bedding should be 5-6 inches deep.

I think that it is valid that you have concerns about your guinea pigs. There are always risks of intestinal obstruction when animals eat their bedding, and if this started when you switched the bedding, I would recommend switching it back. Also, make sure they have plenty of fiber around, including lots of hay. If you would like to add something into the cage for them to chew on, cardboard boxes with no labels or tape work great! I hope that gives you a place to start!

The only thing that I would be concerned with would be if the wood is coated with any type of toxic substance. I believe you can find houses meant for rodents (since these guys chew so much). I would stick with these. Thank you for using Pet Coach!