On this, i do agree that bar biting is a sign of stress that could be due to different reasons (eg. the size of cages, the layout of cages, something that the hamster feels isn't right and wants to get out or escape, or wanting attention).
Basically, it's like there are certain needs to be met.
So for example, these were my observations of bar chewing so far from my hamster:
Yesterday, I just did a full clean of the cage because of some ants issue in the cage. And while cleaning up, i transported my hamster to a temporary habitrail cage. He was bar climbing and chewing the bars non-stop. But once the cleaning was done and i transferred him back, he stopped all the behavior even though his main home was also a barred cage and a much much bigger one. So i felt it's true that he was stressed when i transported him into a smaller cage, unfamiliar surrounding, and there was no way he was able to escape, thus, chewing the bars as attempt to get out/escape.
Another bar chewing behavior I established is boredom.
Most of the time, my hamster would come to the front of the cage expecting treats from me. If there were no treats, he would peep out at the front of the cage, and then ignores and goes back doing his things.
However, on very seldom occasions, he would come to the front of the cage and out of nowhere, chew the bars of the cage.
Once I identified that, i immediately brought him out to run around my hands and in the playpen (with some treats) until he felt like he was done exploring/playing (usually less than 10 minutes because he would start climbing the nets of the playpen to indicate he wants to go back), then i put him back, and he went back to sleep.
I try to switch things out or hide treats in the cage occasionally too to help him get out of that boredom and make it as an enrichment for him.
Edited by repetit, 15 October 2020 - 10:33 AM.
