Normal?

aimsdavies · 06-01-2018, 01:07 PM

Hiya!
I’ve only noticed recently that my hamster, Puff, does some questionable things, like all hamsters do. I was wondering whether it is normal. You see, I’m not sure whether she’s just “feeling it out”, but she tends to run her head along a wall or an object as though she’s testing it. I’m not sure how to explain it any other way, and I would upload a video but for some reason it doesn’t work. Whenever I clean a corner, she runs into the area that I’ve cleaned (that has no bedding, thus you can see the cage tray wall) and runs her head along the wall. I was wondering whether it was normal and that she’s curious and “feeling it out”?
Also, Puff is a curious and confident hamster, which I’m glad as it made my job as a first-time hamster owner a little better in terms of getting her used to me and her new home. She’s comfortable with most things in regards to interaction, such as being fed from the hand and some sorts of petting. She comes to sit near the bars as I talk to her as I do tend to feed her through them. The only thing she hasn’t become accustomed to is petting. She’s comfortable with me lightly stroking her as she eats, but when she’s drinking from her bottle or just roaming around, I do see her jerk back as a reflex. I’m not sure why, as she is comfortable with most things. It’s been just over a week since I’ve got her, and was hoping for tips on helping.
Thank you!

cypher · 06-01-2018, 10:11 PM

Is she rubbing her whole body against those areas? It sounds as though she's probably just scent marking to me which is totally normal.
It sounds as though she's coming along fine with getting used to you & interacting, I wouldn't try to stroke a ham when it's having a drink or running around the cage, save that for times when she's eating from your hand or sitting in your hand or if she likes to climb on you when out of the cage is a good time too!
You can't upload vids here btw, you have to upload them to YouTube or another hosting site then post the link here.

dreamtree1234 · 06-02-2018, 07:27 AM

I also think that she is scent marking which is perfectly normal behavior. As Cypher stated, I wouldn't attempt to pet her when she is drinking or running around in her cage. It is best to save that type of interaction for other, more receptive times.

CookieBlossomBella · 06-02-2018, 08:40 AM

As everyone else has said, it sounds like scent marking. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about

Sally75 · 06-02-2018, 09:04 AM

She does sound like quite the character!
From my knowledge (which is quite basic) it does sound like she is scent marking and if not just maybe exploring!

aimsdavies · 06-02-2018, 09:51 AM

107DE32B-CDEE-4499-B485-5D192E6C9396_zpsixmazkxq.jpeg Photo by aimsdavies1 | Photobucket

Hiya!
Just wanted to thank you all for the helpful replies. I was under the impression that hamster have scent glands in various places depending on the breed, and it’s with those scent glands that they mark objects as theirs. I’ve now learned that they can do this by simply rubbing themselves on objects.
Hopefully the picture has worked. This is Puff. Puff, meet people. People, meet Puff

Thank you again!

dreamtree1234 · 06-02-2018, 10:03 AM

Aww, she is just TOO cute! Great pic of your lovely Puff. Hi, Puff!!! I'm so happy to meet you. I love your expressive face.

aimsdavies · 06-02-2018, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamtree1234

Aww, she is just TOO cute! Great pic of your lovely Puff. Hi, Puff!!! I'm so happy to meet you. I love your expressive face.

Thank you!

It took a while, but she finally stood still for enough time for me to take a quick picture.

dreamtree1234 · 06-02-2018, 10:38 AM

Lol, I totally understand and have been there. It was definitely worth the effort though as it is really a wonderful picture of your little beauty.

aimsdavies · 06-02-2018, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamtree1234

Lol, I totally understand and have been there. It was definitely worth the effort though as it is really a wonderful picture of your little beauty.

Thank you! I don’t think I’m comfortable (Puff seems completely okay) in picking her up or handling her as I’m terrified of getting bitten. They’re small creatures, but they have awful large teeth that I imagine can hurt if they bite. I’m using gloves at the moment, and minus some biting, she seems okay. I would have more pictures if I could handle her