Long Hair Syrian

[rkarcheologist]

Hi, I am new to hamsters and just recently purchased my first Syrian. I have had him for about a month and he is getting a long just fine but I do have a long term concern.

See his has long fur and it tends to pick up and hold onto his bedding. I use Aspen as a substrate and carefresh for him to snuggle in. Both get stuck in his little butts fur.

I am worried this will cause irritation. Do I need to switch bedding, trim his fur, or just brush it out occasionally? I just don't want to cause him any unwanted stress.

[Candra_Faulkner]

I wouldn't worry, all Long Haired Syrians tend to get whatever bedding they've got stuck in their fuzzy "skirt" or fur around their bottom. I just brush it out and try to keep Toby's fur from being tangled or dirty, but it shouldn't be a problem

[Thin Lizzy]

Long haired syrians do get use to it. You can buy some gentle combs/brushes and you could brush him once a day and reward him with a treat. Make it fun for your hamster when you brush him.
A baby's toothbrush would be fine as their very soft.
Even though I have short haired syrians, they still like to have their coat brushed and that's what I use.

[Bbhami]

My long haired syrian would always spread his bedding when he comes out of the cage. We just brush him once or twice a week to prevent the fur from getting matted. He does a good job maintaining his fur tho, so he doesn't really require too much brushing.

[rkarcheologist]

Thank you all so much! This relieves a great deal of stress!