I tried scruffing Tofu

cookietiger · 07-17-2018, 06:19 AM

I was finding it hard to hold her in a way that I could do a health check so I decided I would try and scruff her. I really regret it because although I'm pretty sure I found the right spot (lots of loose skin just below her head on her back) she started squeaking loads and somehow did a 360 and bit my thumb. I wouldn't have let her go if it wasn't for all the squeaking. I quickly put her back in her cage and hopefully she will find the bit of pasta I left her.

I wouldn't get her out at this time of day but a couple of days ago I gave her some apple and it was only after that I realised it was probably way too big so I had to check her nest for it. She's pretty much eaten all of it so thats kind of a good thing but also probably a bad thing oops. Also since I made myself pasta for lunch I thought it would be nice if she could try some.

In summary I was an idiot for disturbing my hamster a lot during the day.

I really thought I scruffed her right though but now I'm not sure. I probably won't ever do it again anyway.

WinnieTheHam · 07-17-2018, 07:39 AM

Aw bless, try not to feel too bad but I totally understand where you're coming from. Even when scruffed right many hamsters hate it, but it's something that needs to be done to see inside the mouth and check everything is okay.

Scruffing a hamster is a little different than how a mother cat would with their kitten. You pull the skin back just below and a little behind their ears (sort of from the cheek pouches), rather than from the neck area behind their ears on their back. It's also best to turn them over onto their back when you scruff them so gravity doesn't add to the pull. I always felt really guilty when I scruffed my hams, they do seem to hate you for about 5 minutes after but I'm sure the pasta will make her forget what happened xx

CMB · 07-17-2018, 11:32 AM

She may be weary of you for a while, but should settle again. One of my hamsters was scruffed by the vet and she squeaked a lot too.

Pebbles82 · 07-17-2018, 11:46 AM

I think there are different thoughts on scruffing hamsters these days. Some people are pros at it. But a vet I saw said they aren't allowed to do it any more and if done incorrectly it can cause damage or even make an eye pop out or something. I think if you do need to it's maybe important to support them under the backside at the same time and not have them lifted in mid air.

velma · 07-18-2018, 05:39 AM

Unless I've had a definite health concern, I've used a jam jar or glass biscuit jar (depending on species) to do health checks for my hams when they've been a bit less social. Unless they're massively wriggly I usually get enough of a good look underneath etc to make they look clean and healthy. I tend to put a treat in the bottom so they'll sit still for a second whole they eat/pouch it.

Pebbles82 · 07-18-2018, 07:43 AM

Velma's idea is good. If she's tame you could just do a general health check while she's on your knee or you're holding her or stroking her. I think scruffing isn't necessary for a teeth check - wait till she yawns!

Sefka · 07-18-2018, 11:49 AM

I tried scruffing Harvey once, with similar results. It took about a day before he forgot/started to trust me again.
It's interesting that vets often don't scruff hammys now - I'd noticed that Harvey's vet never does it, but put it down to him being sort of okay with being turned upside down for a bit.