My hamster has a bad habit of putting his own crap in his cheek pouches! Yes... I said his own crap. I've even watched him do it, that is; crap and then pick it up and put it in his cheeks.
Why on Earth does my hamster have this disgusting habit and WHAT can I do about it?
Another quick question: He also has very long nails... I've tried clipping and filing them but he just won't sit still for it. What else could I try? (besides taking it to the vet)
2006-12-07 08:04:14 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
His cage is huge so it can't be because he doesn't have enough space. And I take him out of his cage very often; in fact, he's at the computer with me now.
And I can't possibly get another hamster to keep him company because he's starting to get territorial. >.<
2006-12-07 08:18:12 · update #1
I have 2 hamsters who are well-taken care of. They are very clean. They, too, put their poop in their pouches & elsewhere.
2006-12-07 13:40:12 · answer #1 · answered by Daiquiri Dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i dont know about hamsters but i know guinea pigs eat there own crap for health reasons because they do not produce enough vitamin C on there own. Im not sure if hamsters are sopposed to do that though...
About the nails, get a towel put it on your lap and put your hamster on it. Then have some of his favorite snacks with you to distract him with while your cutting the nails. If he bleeds a little then dont panic, just have some quickstop with you.
2006-12-07 08:42:06 · answer #2 · answered by babygirlxo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, you're just going to have to ignore the habit. For the nails, when doing it, give the hamster lots of treats to choose from while you do the job. Hopefully he'll stay at least a little quieter.
2006-12-07 08:06:08 · answer #3 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eating poop is something a lot of small animals do. Some small animals don't have very complex digestive systems, so their poop is more like partially digested food and less like waste. They eat the poop so that they can get the nutrients that they didn't get the first time. I've owned rabbits and guinea pigs that did this, so it wouldn't surprise me if other small animals behave the same way.
As for the nails, try and get a rough surface for it to scratch its nails on, like a piece of old brick or concrete.
2006-12-07 08:14:48 · answer #4 · answered by wax 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might be a behavior problem that's set in by his confinement.
Does he have a big enough home?
Do you pay attention to him, like take him out and interact with him on a regular basis?
Zoo animals have been known to develop certain neurotic behaviors after a long time in a zoo.
You hamster may fall into that category.
Maybe get him a buddy to keep him company.
p.s. I'm glad to hear he's got a big cage, and that you interact with him, that's cool.
2006-12-07 08:14:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋