Hamster chewing bars all the time?

[ificouldbeacamera]

We're new owners to a Syrian hamster. He's very active and friendly, but spends a LOT of time chewing the bars on his cage. I have put in a gnawing block in the cage but he doesn't seem to have noticed - only uses the bars. Is chewing this much a sign that his teeth are too long? When I've been able to have a look, they do seem quite long.
Thanks!

[Beamur]

Hamsters do like to chew, even with chew toys, most will still have a gnaw on their bars.
Keep them occupied by enriching their environment as much as you can.
My gerbils are very chewy, but I often make them a toy using old toilet rolls stuffed with hay, extra bedding and a few sunflower seeds.

[SparkySparrow]

My hammy used to do this. I have cardboard (The thick stuff) on every level and since having this he doesn't do it as much. He chew's this instead.
Have you got enough toy's/knawing sticks etc, to keep him occupied? Also check his wheel is big enough, most wheels that come with cage's are too small for syrian's, they need at least 8inch diameter!
Hanster's teeth are quite long but if you google healthy hamster teeth you should find a pic and be able to judge whether they are ok.
Another trick that my friend does is weave cardboard through his bars to encourage him to chew this instead!

[SparkySparrow]

Teeth info

[Summersoon]

Then again he might just be on a mission to escape

I have had several escape artists. Nothing you can really do about that but providing a large-ish cage and plenty of entertainment will certainly help.

[planetpotty]

this reminds me of my hammys I had growing up. All bloody night squeak, squeak if the wheel going round, rattle, rattle on the water dispenser and gnaw blinkin' gnaw on the bars - can sleep through anything now though

Chew toys helped and knackering them out in the exercise balls (disclaimer: do not allow them to discover that hurtling themselves down the stairs = escape)

Ahhh they loved toilet roll tubes too.

[ificouldbeacamera]

Thank you, lots of responses! I've googled the teeth, I think his are fine. He seems to be pretty active, maybe he's just needing more stimulation. He has a hamster heaven cage, so lots of space, but maybe more stuff in it could help?

Thanks for the ideas, we'll put him in the exercise ball for longer maybe. (currently in it for about 10 mins a day, because he's relatively new, we didn't want to scare him too much with it, but he does seem to love it).