Constant grooming?

[Charlotte_Alice]

Bear is great and enjoying everything but he does do ALOT of grooming and very thorough scratching etc. Is it worth getting spot on flea stuff for him? He is only 4 weeks old so I think I have to wait a little longer.

It might just be an anxiety thing as my rescue dog did the same when she first came to us?

[kyrilliondaemon]

If you'll need to wait anyway then I'd wait a little longer and see, they can groom because they're nervous sometimes and hopefully thats all it is

[Munchalot]

It might well be nervous, he is very young. But scratching is generally a part of the grooming, as it gets the debris and any snags or tangles from the coat, in longhaired hams especially. Its almost like they are combing themselves with their feet and teeth. :L
My hams all make their grooming a very thorough business, especially after a sand bath. It's they seem to do most of the time!

If you're concerned though, just keep an eye out for any dandruff/flaky skin, or any balding or red patches on him. Their fur is very dense, so if you blow gently on him the fur will part so you can see the skin. x

[souffle]

Hammies do tend to groom themselves quite a lot especially when they have been handled. I think they like to wash your smell away and spread their own scent over again!
We always say hamsters adopt the attitude of 'If in doubt have a wash' so yes I would say they do it when they are a bit unsure. Keep up with the gentle taming and don't worry too much unless the skin looks red and sore or he develops a skin related problem. I wouldn't use any treatments without seeing a vet though especially in a young baby like this

[DrKMcK]

At such a young age only a vet should give any kind of flea or mite drops. As all the others have said, hammies spend a very big part of their lives grooming. That's one of the reasons I laugh when people who don't like rodents refer to them as "dirty". Most rodents are incredibly clean. I'm actually very glad you've found Hamster Central. It sounds to me that you really love your little furry friend and want to do the right thing. Your posts regarding Bear have good questions and HC is the place for the answers. I think Bear is a lucky little hammy with a mom like you.

[Charlotte_Alice]

Awww thanks! It does feel like I have a baby in the house and I wake up a little nervous as I go into his room to check him....never know what he will be doing!!