Excessive Scratching?

[charliethehamster]

Hello,
I got a new hamster recently and last night I cleaned his cage for the first time. I am curious because I noticed today that he has been scratching a lot, especially on his hips and where his scent glands are (I believe) seem a bit greasy/wet looking. I am curious if this is just him spreading his scent on the new bedding? But would he be itching like that if he was doing it? He did not have any problems like this for the first week I had him and I am using the same bedding I was then.

[souffle]

Yes it sounds like he is indeed spreading his scent round. That is normal. I wou;d on;y do spot cleans for the first month or so and then only do half cage cleans to keep him settled and happy.