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Health Checks

The Health Check

General Health

 

Body Size

 

The hamster should not be overweight or underweight. Being too large is just as damaging to a hamsters health as being too thin. You should not be able to see the rib cage or spine. When holding the hamster you will be able to feel the bones but they should not be sharp, you will be able to feel a layer of flesh between the fur and skeleton.

 

Bald Spots

 

The hamster should not be missing any hair or have any bald patches. The exception being Syrian hamsters who will have a small bald patch on each hip around a dark patch of skin, these are their scent glads and perfectly normal.

 

Dry/Flaky Skin

 

The hamster should not have any dry, flaky or red patches of skin. Watch out for excessive itching.

 

 

Genital Health

 

The hamsters bottom should be clean and free of discharge, blood and wet faeces. The testicles of male hamsters will protrude when they are warm, in Chinese hamsters the testicles are almost always noticeable this is normal and they look like large hairless lumps under the tail of the hamster.

 

Eyes

 

Eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge. They should not be sealed shut. The eye should not look "milky" or have a white or hazy circle. Hamsters can have red eyes which is normal.

 

Ears

 

The ears will be clean and clear of discharge or blood. They should not look red or flaky.

 

Hearing

 

You can make a clicking sound with your fingers or a squeaking sound with your mouth to check hearing, the ears should twitch a little when you make an unusual sound.

Dental Health

 

If you are able to check the teeth there should be four visible at the front of the mouth, two at the top and two at the bottom. They will be long and yellow or orange. Teeth should not be white, broken or missing.

 

Respiratory Health

 

Breathing should be quiet and steady. It should not be deep or fast unless the hamster has recently been very active. The hamster should not be squeaking, wheezing or clicking.

 

The Hamster Should Be...

 

Confident, it should not be terrified by the other hamsters or by the presence of people.

Curious, hamsters that are curious about what you are and show less fear are often easier to tame.

Calm, the hamster should not be aggressive towards you.

 

The Hamster Should Not...

Be lethargic (sleepy) when fully awake.

Be limping

Be holding it's head on one side (head tilt)

Be displaying repetitive behaviour such as spinning in circles or backflipping.

 

 

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© 2016-2017 Hopping Houdini's Small Animal And Aquatic Pet Care 

Emily Dunn 

8560 S. 36th St. 

Scotts, MI 49088 (please use for fanmail or important questions only)

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