Scratching

[tushtushy]

I am getting worried about Sammy constantly scratching. I did take him to the vet and she said there isn't anything wrong with him : no dry skin, no hair falling out, etc. Really good health. She reccommended that I try switching bedding, which I did. I even bought a new one today which he fell in love with instantly, but he is still going at it. Am I just freaking out for no reason? I don't know how to stop it. I try to trim his nails but that just makes him hate me, lol.

thanks in advance

 

[RainbowBrite]

Hamsters do tend to groom and scratch themselves. Which bedding are you using now? Paper bedding is great for allergies.

 

[tushtushy]

Hamsters do tend to groom and scratch themselves. Which bedding are you using now? Paper bedding is great for allergies.

I think it's a bit excessive as to how often/much he does this. even when he's asleep in his house or burrow. I have switched to paper since the vet visit. and today my new one came from (ox something) and he is crazy about it! what could I do to maybe lessen it? i should mention that he doesn't do this when he is out of his house....

 

[RainbowBrite]

I think it's a bit excessive as to how often/much he does this. even when he's asleep in his house or burrow. I have switched to paper since the vet visit. and today my new one came from (ox something) and he is crazy about it! what could I do to maybe lessen it? i should mention that he doesn't do this when he is out of his house....

Is the bedding the oxbow paper bedding? Which bedding did he have previously? I am wondering if his scratching is just usual hamster grooming.

 

[Maz]

Hamsters do groom and scratch themselves quite a bit. Oxbow paper bedding is fine. It’s good the vet says there’s nothing wrong with him.

 

[Maz]

I just noticed on your profile you say you have two cats who interact with him. Hamsters are a prey species so can be quite stressed if cats are in their presence. If Sammy was stressed that might make him scratch more. Also cats can pull a hamster cage over sometimes. It’s better if the hamster is in a room where cats don’t go.

 

[tushtushy]

I just noticed on your profile you say you have two cats who interact with him. Hamsters are a prey species so can be quite stressed if cats are in their presence. If Sammy was stressed that might make him scratch more. Also cats can pull a hamster cage over sometimes. It’s better if the hamster is in a room where cats don’t go.

After thinking about the interacting with the cats, I have stopped doing that! and at night I do cover his home up w a blanket. They really don't bother with his home or him unless it's open, which i do get the cats out when i do handle him. Maybe that and the stress of the nail trimming could be the cause? but it boggles me because he doesn't go at it when he is outside his home. am i doing something wrong?

 

[tushtushy]

Is the bedding the oxbow paper bedding? Which bedding did he have previously? I am wondering if his scratching is just usual hamster grooming.

yep! started the oxbow today and he was very happy as soon as he felt it . I had Full Cheeks before, paper as well. I did have Aspen when I first got him.

 

[RainbowBrite]

yep! started the oxbow today and he was very happy as soon as he felt it . I had Full Cheeks before, paper as well. I did have Aspen when I first got him.

Full cheeks is okay as its paper based too. How sweet he is enjoying the new bedding.

 

[RainbowBrite]

It would be better if the cats did not come into the room Sammys cage is in. Being a prey animal he could be anxious smelling the cats.

Were his nails long enough to need cutting? They only really need cutting if they curl.

 

[tushtushy]

It would be better if the cats did not come into the room Sammys cage is in. Being a prey animal he could be anxious smelling the cats.

Were his nails long enough to need cutting? They only really need cutting if they curl.

i didn't know about the curling of the nail part!!!! I just assumed they needed trimming when they're a bit "out there". Thank you for saving him from more trauma, lol!!!!

I am assuming hamster's have a really sharp sense of smell, don't they?

 

[RainbowBrite]

i didn't know about the curling of the nail part!!!! I just assumed they needed trimming when they're a bit "out there". Thank you for saving him from more trauma, lol!!!!

I am assuming hamster's have a really sharp sense of smell, don't they?

I can understand that as they can look long due to their tiny paws.

I think they have a great sense of smell to help them sniff out food. If you scatter their food rather then put it in a bowl you can watch them sniffing the food out.

 

[elusive]

My guess would be either stress or possibly a nutritional issue but if he doesn’t do it all the time it’s more likely stress I would think, even if the cats aren’t near the cage Sammy will sense them around so it could be that.
Paper bedding is fine as the others have said so I wouldn’t think there’s any problem there.

 

[tushtushy]

My guess would be either stress or possibly a nutritional issue but if he doesn’t do it all the time it’s more likely stress I would think, even if the cats aren’t near the cage Sammy will sense them around so it could be that.
Paper bedding is fine as the others have said so I wouldn’t think there’s any problem there.

I guess what's causing me a bit nervousness is that when I take him out to roam around on the bed or in his play pin, he doesn't scratch at all. maybe because he is over curious and no time to pay attention that he isn't scratching? hehehehe

 

[RainbowBrite]

Sounds like he is having too much fun when he is out of his cage.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I eat linseed, shelled sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, so I buy some packets from Waitrose for my hamster. He's very keen on them and I like to think the oils in them could be good for him. He gets a piece of cooked squash or some mixed veg and a tiny piece of egg yolk with his regular muesli. Also a little bit of cucumber when I have it. Organic preservative free food should be OK.

 

[Maz]

Yes Linseeds are very good for their skin and fur. You could give a pinch daily on a separate little dish. They just lick them up.