Grooming

Two dwarfs having a sand bath.

Hamsters are very clean animals and are quite capable of cleaning themselves. When a hamster is cleaning itself you will notice that the hamster will lick it's paws and rub it's face and ears or will look as if it is scratching when it's cleaning it's body. Hamsters don't require a water bath, in fact it's very dangerous to give them one as they can quite easily catch a cold if not dried properly and the water also removes essential oils from their fur that keeps it in good condition. A water bath should only ever be done if recommended by a vet for a treatment of an illness.

Download Grooming Video 1.3MB

Long haired syrians may require some extra grooming by you so their coat doesn't get tangled, this can be done with a toothbrush. See the video link on the right to see a movie clip of a hamster being brushed. Hamsters will also enjoy a sand bath which will also help keep their coat clean. Chinchilla sand is best used for this, but you must make sure it is sand and not dust as this is too fine for hamsters. Place a small amount in a dish and place it in their cage, the hamster will slowly walk up to and will probably start to dig in it at first. They will then usually start to roll around in it on their back.