Like human fingernails, the teeth of a hamster grow continually.hamsters are able to keep their teeth at the proper length through their food and chewing on sticks.To keep your hamster happy and healthy, you can make your own chew sticks.
Step 1: Natural wood can be used.
The wood used to make the chew sticks needs to be treated.Chemicals used to treat wood could be toxic to your hamster.Skewer sticks, that you can typically purchase in your grocery store, offer a good option since you know they are safe for human use and also for your hamster.If you want something similar to what you find in the pet store, look for chew sticks made of balsa.Small twigs from fruit trees are safe for hamsters if you want to use natural wood outdoors.You should be certain that the tree was not treated with chemicals.
Step 2: You don't want to find sticks in your backyard.
It is safe to give your hamster fresh clippings from fruit trees, but if you find wood on the ground that contains parasites, you should avoid using it.
Step 3: It's a good idea to avoid woods that have oils.
Some types of wood, such as cedar and pine, can contain oils that are harmful to the hamster respiratory system.Choose wood that is free of oil.The yew and Oleander tree are poisonous to hamsters.
Step 4: How many chew sticks do you want to make?
To make the sticks thick enough for your hamster, you will need to create bunches of 3 skewers.You can make about 13 chew sticks with a package of 20 skewers.
Step 5: Skewers can be cut.
The skewer needs to be removed.Use a very sharp knife or a pair of gardening scissors to cut the ends.
Step 6: Skewers should be cut in half.
The shorter the chew sticks, the better your hamster will like them.Use the gardening scissors to cut the skewer in half.
Step 7: You can make bunches of 3 skewers.
You can begin to glue the sticks together by laying 3 skewers next to each other on a piece of paper.
Step 8: Use safe glue to create hamsters.
The glue you use to hold the sticks together is important for the safety of your hamster.A safe glue can be made by mixing white flour and water together.Adding a splash of fruit juice to the glue will make your chew sticks more interesting for your hamster.You can also add dried fruit to the paste.
Step 9: The skewers should be Glued together.
Use a paint brush to coat the skewers with glue.
Step 10: Allow the chew sticks to dry.
You should allow plenty of time for the sticks to dry so that they don't fall apart inside the cage.You could coat the other side of the sticks with glue.Wait until the first side is dry, then flip each bunch over and repeat the process of brushing on the glue.
Step 11: Your hamster needs a chew stick.
Give your hamster a few chew sticks in the evening when he is most active.
Step 12: The chew sticks should be replaced.
If your hamster is no longer using the chew stick, you should give it a new one.If you leave old chew sticks in your hamster's cage, he might hurt himself with the sticks.
Step 13: Your hamster will react to the sticks.
Does he use them frequently or not?If your hamster doesn't like using the sticks, you should look for alternatives.The sticks should be rubbed with a carrot.The stick has a carrot flavor that hamsters enjoy.Put a bit of honey on the stick.You can show your hamster that the stick is something he should eat by coating it in honey.Do not use this trick often as your hamster may refuse to use the stick unless it has honey on it.Hamsters can be susceptible to diabetes if they consume a lot of sugar.Remove the outer layer of the stick.Remove the top layer of the stick with a small knife.The scent of wood may be appealing to your hamster.
Step 14: Give your dog biscuits.
If your hamster doesn't like the sticks, it's a good idea to give him dog biscuits.
Step 15: Your hamster will love the paper towel tube.
hamsters love to crawl inside the tube, and this is a good option for chewing.The option offers more than one activity.
Step 16: Use hard cereals.
You can give your hamster a bowl of rolled oats in a pinch.