Dwarf hamster licking tank glass

[Orion]

Hi I've just noticed my dwarf hamster licking the corner of his tank. I've checked his water bottle and it is working. Has anyone see this before? Any ideas why he is doing this? Thanks

[JRussell]

My dwarf hamster used to do this too, he would lick my hand as well, which was probably to recognise my scent or because of the salt. I am not an expert but I would think that you should make sure that when you clean out the tank you wipe everything over with hamster safe cleaner? Mine used to stick his tongue through the holes of his tubes which was incredibly cute too, hope this helped!

[Orion]

I'm cleaning out his tank tonight. I'll be extra careful cleaning the wee bit he licks. Maybe he needs salt?

[Esmy]

I would have to agree, a good cage clean would be good. Hamsters don't need salt blocks like Guinea Pigs. A well-balanced diet should take care of that. If he is drinking an excessive amount of water as well, I'd consider checking him for diabetes.

The title made me think.. when kids lick glass, we call them special. lol

[Skeever]

Was another hamster ever kept in the same cage before?

[Thin Lizzy]

What corner does he do his peepees in?
It could be the scent of another hamster or he could be making sure his on scent is there.
That's a weird one!

[Orion]

Hi the bit he is licking is in th corner under his water bottle (back right hand corner). No other hamster has been in the tank and he has been in it for a year. He pees in a hideout in the back left hand corner or in his wheel so that hasnt changed.

I cleaned out his tank giving the corner an extra clean. Its odd because I have never seen him do it before. Maybe it is just another one of his wee foibles kind of like his digging backwards.

[Thin Lizzy]

He's probably picked up a new hobby, male hamsters do rub their sweat glands in and all over their home, he's probably just making sure her can smell himself.