Wet Patch

[aimsdavies]

Hiya!
A moment ago, I glanced at my Syrian hamster, Puff, and noticed she had a small wet-looking patch on her right cheek. I was wondering whether this is a concern? I do have a few pictures, although they aren’t of good quality, and I hope the link will work for you. It doesn’t seem to be sore or bleeding, just wet.
I have some scares similar to this before. I’m a new hamster owner, Puff being my very first, so I am quite like a worried Mam at times and take small things that may not be a concern as something to be concerned about. There was a time where I was overly concerned and had no idea about hamsters grooming their scent glands, so I did have a heart attack when I saw two wet patches of fur on both sides of her hips
I’m not overly concerned about this as just before I’d noticed this I’d heard her using her water bottle for a drink. It may just be me overreacting at some water spilling on her cheek. But better safe than sorry.
6A2CA3F0-4A3A-4A87-811C-297BB88A6EA6_zpsabissmsj.jpeg Photo by aimsdavies1 | Photobucket
Also, would you say it’s normal for your hammies to have a “quiet phase” in which they’re relatively calm and subdued for a few minutes? Puff seems to have these quite often in which she’s rather calm, quiet and shy. If I interact with her as I normally would, giving her treats, calling her softly or petting her through the bars, she seems to return to her normal, energetic self.
Thank you!
- Aimee

[velma]

It’s hard to say from your picture. I know it sounds silly but are you sure she hasn’t just rubbed her face or sat under her bottle? I know what you mean about worrying when you’re not sure, it’s so hard to know when we can’t just ask them, isn’t it? It sounds quite normal to be calmer. They will sometimes freeze if they sense a threat but then they go stock still and it just sounds she’s like she’s relaxed around you.