[Pebbles82]

That sounds like good advice above. Just keep the cage simple. Maybe they are some kind of tick that is on the hammy. You would think you would see them though. We had a dog that had ticks once. You couldn’t see a thing until they sucked blood, but then it just looked like a lump. It was also extremely difficult to remove them as their jaws stayed embedded in the skin (Ie they hung on!). But she only had about three and they didn’t breed. They just got attached to her from long grass.

If they are some kind of tick it’s probably from the hay. And I guess it’s possible your hammy could have blood sucking ticks. But not something I’ve heard of before. You would think you would see something. But also you said there were different types. It would be useful if someone could identify them. How about calling a local university science department and asking if one of the students would come and take a few and identify them! You never know? They might.

But agree if they don’t go after another clean, only paper bedding, no wood - then yes you’ll need to see a vet. Or if you really think they’re from the hamster, see a vet anyway. Take a couple of bugs with you!

I wouldn’t leave the cage without food though. Yes, unfortunately, you’ll need to remove all food and the hoard. But you should have new food that’s been frozen now - so put a handful of that in where the hoard was. They get quite stressed without a hoard. And just change the food in the bowl daily - if there’s any left.

I find it hard to believe they are coming from that little wood house as it’s smooth wood snd such a shame for her to lose her house. However it is possible and maybe soaking it in disinfectant would spoil it (and make it smell). You could bake it - but that might make it smell too. Maybe best to make a little cardboard house for now.

What food are you using? (I still suspect it could be hatching from food - maybe a species that just go dormant when frozen).