How to Make Hamster Chew Sticks

Unlike humans, the teeth of a hamster grow continually, much like human fingernails. In the wild, hamsters are able to keep their teeth at the proper length through their food, and by chewing on sticks.^{[1]XResearch source} You can make your own chew sticks for your hamster at home in order to keep your hamster healthy and happy.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Kind of Wood

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1
Use natural wood. It is important that the wood you use to make the chew sticks is unpainted and untreated.^{[2]XResearch source} Chemicals found in paint and pesticides used to treat some wood could be extremely 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, which means they are also safe for your hamster.
- Chew sticks purchased in a pet store are typically made of balsa, so if you want something similar to what you find in the pet store, search for those.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you want to use natural wood from the outdoors, clippings of small twigs from fruit trees are safe for hamsters. However, you should be certain that the tree was not treated with chemicals or pesticides.^{[4]XResearch source}
While it is safe to give your hamster fresh clippings from fruit trees, avoid using wood you find laying around on the ground outside, which could contain parasites that can harm your hamster.^{[5]XResearch source}
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3
Avoid woods that contain oils. Certain types of wood, such as cedar and pine, can contain oils that are harmful to the hamster respiratory system. Choose wood that is oil free.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Also avoid wood from the yew and oleander tree as these are poisonous for hamsters.^{[7]XResearch source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing the Chew Sticks

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You will need to create bunches of 3 skewers in order to make the sticks thick enough to be interesting for your hamster. With a package of 20 skewers, you can make about 13 chew sticks.
It is important to remove the pointy ends of the skewer. Use a very sharp knife or a pair of gardening scissors to snip off the pointy ends.
Your hamster will like the chew sticks better if they are shorter, and thus easier to grab. Cut each skewer in half using the gardening scissors.
Eventually, you will glue the sticks together, but begin by laying 3 skewers next to each other on a piece of parchment paper or cutting board.
5
Create hamster safe glue. It is important that the “glue” you use to hold the sticks together is safe for your hamster. A safe glue can be made by mixing together 1/2 cup white flour and 1/2 cup water until a thick paste is formed.
- If you want to make your chew sticks more interesting for your hamster, add a splash of fruit juice such as apple, blueberry, cherry, peach or mango to the glue. Additionally, you can also add tiny bits of dried fruit to the paste.
Generously coat each bunch of skewers in the glue using a paint brush.
7
Allow the chew sticks to dry overnight. You will want to allow the sticks plenty of time to dry so that they do not fall apart inside your hamster’s cage.
- You might also want to coat the other side of the sticks in glue. If so, wait until the first side is dry, then flip each bunch over, and repeat the process of brushing on the glue.
In the evening, when your hamster is most active, give your hamster a few of the chew sticks.
When you see that your hamster is no longer using the chew stick, if it has been completely worn down, or if it is damaged, give your hamster a new chew stick. Do not leave old chew sticks in your hamster’s cage as he might injure himself with the sticks.

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Considering Alternatives

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1
Observe your hamster’s reaction to the sticks. Does he seem to use them frequently or does he ignore them? If your hamster does not enjoy using the sticks, you should search for alternatives in order to keep your hamster healthy.
- Try rubbing the sticks with a carrot. Rubbing the stick with a carrot coats the stick in a flavor that hamsters enjoy.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Coat the stick with a bit of honey. Coating the stick in honey shows your hamster that the stick is something he can and should eat.^{[9]XResearch source} However, 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 too much sugar.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Shave off the outer layer of the stick. Using a small, sharp knife, wittle away the top layer of the stick. This releases a strong wood scent that may be appealing to your hamster.^{[11]XResearch sourcevhttp://animals.mom.me/hamster-bite-chew-stick-1306.html}
If your hamster does not enjoy the sticks, it is safe to give him dog biscuits as long as they do not contain garlic.^{[12]XResearch source}
This offers a good option for chewing, and hamsters also love to crawl inside the tube. Thus, this option offers more than one activity for the hamster.^{[13]XResearch source}
In a pinch, you can also give your hamster a cereal such as rolled oats to chew on.^{[14]XResearch source}

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Question
How about cardboard?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Hamsters do like to chew on cardboard. Cardboard and certain kinds of wood are good for hamsters to chew on.
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Do you have to trim a hamster's teeth?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Sometimes you will need to tend to a hamster's teeth due to misalignment of the teeth or other problems. This is best done by a veterinarian who is trained to do so.
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Can hamsters have wood to chew on?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Yes, but only certain kinds. It's best to buy these wood blocks at pet supply companies.
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Things You’ll Need

Gardening scissors or a sharp knife
Small paint brush
Wooden skewers
Parchment paper (optional)
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup water
Fruit juice (optional)
Fruit pieces (optional)

Tips

If the glue is too runny, try adding a bit more flour. On the other hand, if the glue is too thick, try adding a bit more water or juice.
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Warnings

Do not use regular glue, even if it is labelled “non-toxic”. The glue could make your hamster very sick, or could even kill him.
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When choosing a wood, make sure it is safe for your hamster. If you are not sure, consult your veterinarian.
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Use extreme caution when cutting the skewers. Wear a pair of rubber gardening gloves if possible, and be aware that you can injure yourself severely with sharp knives and scissors.
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Visit your veterinarian if your hamster’s teeth are very long. Teeth that are too long can be dangerous to you and your hamster, and can prevent your hamster from eating properly. Your vet can clip your hamster’s teeth, if need be.
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