What does it mean when hamsters empty their cheeks?
It’s even more entertaining to watch them diligently empty their cheeks when they’ve decided it’s time to do so. This is perfectly normal and healthy behavior for all hamsters, so don’t stress. Your hamster’s simply channeling their wild roots and natural instincts.
Why is my hamster’s cheeks swollen?
Because your hamster’s cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen. If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn’t go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess.
Why is my hamster stuffing his cheeks with bedding?
Hamsters do not “eat” their bedding, rather they stuff their bedding or nesting material into their cheek pouches in order to carry it from one place to another to make a comfy nest. Hamsters may also chew their bedding, also known as substrate, in order to keep their continually growing teeth in check.
Why does my hamster have a swollen cheek?
Because your hamster’s cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen. If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn’t go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess. An abscess would make your hamster feel sick.
When to know if hamster has impacted cheek pouch?
The Signs and Symptoms. This likely is not the process of routine food collection and storage behavior. With more observation, if you notice your little pet’s head and neck appear swollen, is producing excessive saliva or appears anorexic, it’s most likely to have an impacted cheek pouch.
What should I do if my hamster has an abscess on his cheek?
Your vet may want you to schedule regular teeth trimmings. Feed your hamster soft, smooth food while he is healing. If your hamster eats something sharp, that food could scratch the linings of the cheek pouches. Soft foods like cereal and rice would be good to feed your hamster as his abscess heals.
How can you tell if a hamster has a cold?
In particular, look for a runny nose, red or inflamed eyes, and puffy cheeks. Hamsters often get a runny nose when sick, and are particularly vulnerable to catching colds. These are often not the most deadly of sicknesses, but if they persist, see a veterinarian. Your hamster has pouches in his cheeks to carry food around.
Because your hamster’s cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen. If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn’t go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess. An abscess would make your hamster feel sick.
What to do if your hamster has an infection in his cheek?
This is often treated by an exotic animal vet with antibiotics and sometimes a good cleaning of the cheek pouch. Without treatment, the infection will become painful, causing your hamster to stop eating, and the infection may spread to the rest of the mouth and eventually the bloodstream.
Why do Hamsters carry food in their cheeks?
Hamsters have pouches in their cheeks. These pouches are used to carry food around because in the wild, hamsters usually bring their food back to their burrows to eat. When feeding your hamster, you may notice that they tuck the food into their cheek pouches rather than eating it right away.
Is it normal for a hamster to not eat or drink?
If your hamster is not eating or drinking, it’s not normal. A hamster not eating is in fact a cause for concern. Lack of appetite in hamsters is a symptom of several hamster diseases so if you notice your hamster is not eating or drinking, take note. Are you are wondering, ‘‘ Is my hamster sick or dying ?’’
