Hamsters

Watch your hamster

Scent rubbing Being a solitary animal that is active in the dark of the night, the hamster’s main form of communica- tion is through scent—smells that we humans are unable to detect, let alone interpret. However, they clearly mean a lot to your hamster and you can watch him leaving messages all over the place. Syrian hamsters have scent glands on both flanks. These can be wet or greasy looking, and show as slightly darker patches. They are more obvious on male hamsters than females. You will see your hamster arch its back and rub its flank on the walls of its cage and other vertical surfaces. It also will roll on its side to leave scent on the ground and on objects in its cage.

Happy hamster

Inquisitive When your hamster is curious he will stand up on its back legs, with his front paws relaxed and drooping. It may have been a sound or a smell that caught his attention, such as your arrival, and it will turn to face the direction of your approach.

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Hamsters