Non-stop evening chewing

Question
Kelly,
   I have had my dawrf hamster, "Mocha", for 5 months now and she has been a wonderful delight. But within the past 3-4 days, she has developed a terrible chewing habit. Every evening she will sit and just knaw on her wheel. I hate to close the access door to her wheel because she loves running in it so much, but when I do, she just knaws on the door. I can't sleep and I am lost on what to do. I've tried wooden chew toys, "chew bisquits" and I always let her out for fun throughout the day so she isn't constantly cooped up 24/7. Any advice will be of great thanks.

Answer
Hi Molly,

To keep your hamster from chewing on her wheel, go to a pet store (or here: http://www.healthypetstore.com/jg-115.html) and buy Bitter Lime Spray (or Gel).  This is a very bitter-tasting substance that is completely non-toxic and safe for all small animals; it's just usually marketed towards ferrets.  Rub or spray it on the wheel. (Just a side note: Wash your hands extremely well, because this stuff is disgusting should you accidentally put your hands to your mouth.)  Your hamster will taste it once, and she won't want to taste it again.  Keep giving her the chew toys.  Once she doesn't have the wheel to chew on, she'll need the chew toys.

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

Kelly