Male long haired. To brush or not to brush everyday?

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 07-21-2015, 02:50 AM

I've seen some mixed feelings on whether or not a long haired hamster should be brushed everyday. I'd love to hear more regarding the opinions and facts of both causal owners as well as show hamster owners.

Right now I'm just trying to figure out what's best for my long haired, Little Bear.

BrainGirl · 07-21-2015, 06:47 AM

Are you trying to remove substrate that's stuck to him or do you want to keep his coat in perfect condition? In my one experience with a super fluffy ham I changed to a different substrate that didn't stick in his fur and he took care of the rest. He always looked nice and had no tangles, though he could look a little rough when he first crawled out of his nest

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 07-21-2015, 12:33 PM

I'd like to keep it in best condition possible.

Right now I've got him on fibercore eco bedding but he still has mystery mats. I'd say his skirt is an inch long, give or take.

So I've heard that brushing it every day weakens the fur. If you cut the fur it won't grow back as long. So if that's the case, how do people deal with matting?

He had a knot again last night and I had a repeat of being about to cut it and he pulled it out by walking off. He was fine, I on the other hand, was left stressing out on it not growing back or that he had a bald spot.

BrainGirl · 07-21-2015, 02:59 PM

That's great bedding for longhaired hams ime. They will get little mats sometimes but they're usually temporary. A soft toothbrush works well for gentle brushing

**DrKMcK** · 07-21-2015, 03:08 PM

Hi Oatmeal_Cupcake. Brushing won't weaken his hair. If he doesn't mind being brushed, incorporate into his routine. I used to do that with my Puff. If you do it on a regular basis you shouldn't need to cut it. Also, if he doesn't want to cooperate now and then, let it go for that day.

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 07-21-2015, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

That's great bedding for longhaired hams ime. They will get little mats sometimes but they're usually temporary. A soft toothbrush works well for gentle brushing

Yep! I did some research on bedding as soon as i started having problems with the aspen and the kaytee clean and cozy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

Hi Oatmeal_Cupcake. Brushing won't weaken his hair. If he doesn't mind being brushed, incorporate into his routine. I used to do that with my Puff. If you do it on a regular basis you shouldn't need to cut it. Also, if he doesn't want to cooperate now and then, let it go for that day.

He actually doesn't mind being brushed. I familiarized him with the toothbrush and the comb at a young age. Although he won't hesitate to start a fight with the toothbrush. XD