AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
Question when my hamster is in the cage she keep bitting on the bars i know i should use bitter apple but which one the dogs cats etc.
Answer Hi
Biting the bars is very common with hamsters and sometimes it is difficult to stop them doing this. I have never put anything on the bars to stop this behaviour. Instead I try to make sure they all have plenty to chew in their cages and lots of things to keep them occupied.
Does she have any chewable toys? If not it would be worth getting some - you can buy houses and tubes that are edible (Snack Shack) and I have found these to be popular. If you are giving hamster treats the ones that are stuck to sticks are best - although they do contain honey the hamster has to gnaw to get the treats off. You can also add dog biscuits to the hamster dry mix as this helps them gnaw.
In addition - does your hamster have plenty to play with in her cage? As it is a wire cage if there is room some hamsters love having hanging ladders and platforms etc that are suspended from the roof of the cage. Perhaps she is just a little bored and the addition of something else in her cage might distract her.
