bald patch

Question
i bought a syrian hamster at 6 weeks old weve had him about 6 weeks he has developed a bald patch on his nose i think its because he keeps gnawing his cage at night he has toys but not interested he likes being handled but it seems he just wants to escape he sleeps well in day and eats well too he as a wheel which he likes
thank you
terry  

Answer
Hi Terry,

This is normal behavior for hamsters.  Keep providing your hamster with chew toys, and try a vegetable wheel.  Also, you can give your hamster a plain dog bone.

Sine your hamster is gnawing at the cage, you'll need to stop this behavior.  Buy Bitter Lime Gel (or Spray) at your pet store.  It's marketed towards ferrets, so it'll be in the ferret section.  It's safe for all small animals and it costs about $6.  Rub or spray the Bitter Lime on the parts of the cage your hamster is chewing on.  If he tries chewing on the cage again, 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 take the hint :)

Have a great weekend!

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

Kelly