Hamsters chewing BARS !

Question
HI,
I HAVE A MALE SYRIAN HAMSTER ( 4 MONTHS OLD) AND HE SEEMS TO LOVE THE CHEWING BARS. MABYE ITS HIS DESPERATE CHEW FOR ESCAPE , I DONT KNOW, BUT IS IT VERY BAD. HE IS BEGINING TO LOOSE FUR ON HIS NOSE! PLEASE HELP. I HAVE BOUGHT HIM ANOTHER CAGE TO TRY AND PREVENT THIS AS THE BARS ON HIS OLD CAGE WERE THE ROOF, NOW ON HIS NEW CAGE THEY ARE AT THE SIDES ONLY. THANKS X  

Answer
Hi Amy,

First, make sure your hamster has plenty of chew toys, since hamsters' teeth are constantly growing and they need something to gnaw on.

To stop the chewing of the bars, go to the pet store and buy Bitter Lime Spray (or Gel).  It's marketed towards ferrets, so it should be in the ferret section.  It's safe for all small animals and costs less than $10.  Spray or rub the Bitter Lime on the bars of the cage.  If your hamster tries to chew on the bars, he'll taste the Bitter Lime and be disgusted.  You may have to use the Bitter Lime a few times, but your hamster should soon get the idea and stop chewing the bars.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly