Cheek Pouches

[XbeccaX]

Its never really concerned me before, but I fed Phoebe some carrot today and she stuffed it in her cheeks pouches. I then realised the piece of carrot was quite large, and she struggled to fit it into her pouches and then get it out again. Will they only put things in their cheek pouches that they known they can fit in? Their pouches can't burst can they? I'm now concerned about her overfilling her pouches! :/

[Hope]

They can get compacted pouches, that can then lead to infection, but I have never heard of a hamster ripping its pouch, although I suppose in theory it is possible. I think that generally they know how much they can cram in, it can be quite shocking to see just how much they can fit in! My Phoebe often astounds me at the size of her pouches!They will often nibble bits off and pouch smaller bits if they cant get the whole peice in in one. If you are worried when giving her veg and treats, chop them up into smaller peices for her so they ate easier for her to pouch.

[mangoandmimi]

i'm often shocked by how big mimis pouches get, but she rips the food up and pouches it if it doesnt fit ^_^ she should be ok... but i agree chopping it up smaller would be better (: x

[XbeccaX]

Thankyou I found the bits of carrot I gave her and broke them into smaller bits, and in future I will give her very small pieces!
@Hope, hamster name snap!