Do Hamsters Eat Their Own Poop?
Some of the things hamsters do may surprise you if you’re new to caring for them. For example, you might notice that your pet hamster likes to eat its own poop.
Do Hamsters Eat Their Own Poop? Well, this is surely disgusting and it’s something that you wish the hamster would stop doing. Is it bad for the hamster to do this?
The first thing to understand is that eating poop is quite natural for hamsters. They don’t do it because they’re crazy; they do it for a reason.
Some of the foods that your hamsters eat are difficult for them to digest properly. For example, when they consume veggies, they may not be able to absorb certain nutrients.
Hamsters have difficulty digesting cellulose. When cellulose enters the caecum of a hamster’s digestive tract, it is broken down.
The cellulose that the hamsters have broken down must next be excreted. The cellulose will be present in the hamster’s faeces, and they will be able to properly absorb the nutrients when they consume the poop this time.
It sounds disgusting. But that’s exactly what it is, and it’s perfectly normal for your hamster. Actually, many rodents, including guinea pigs, mice, and even rabbits, do this.
Should I try to Stop My Hamsters from Eating their Poop?
Hamsters eat their own poop but this does not imply that you enjoy witnessing them do it.
Is it acceptable if you try to stop your hamsters from doing this? Can you just quickly wipe up the hamster poop to keep them from eating it?
Trying to keep hamsters from eating their own droppings is a bad idea. It’s simply something they have to do for nutritional reasons.
If a hamster does not digest and then re-digest its meal, it will not be able to obtain the B12 that it requires. Hamsters have no other way of receiving B12, so you’ll simply have to accept that they eat poop.
If you’re wondering what to feed your hamster in general, check out my food list post. I’ll also go through what you shouldn’t feed your hamster and what treats he can have.
How do I Stop my Hamster Cage from Smelling?
Although hamsters clean themselves on a regular basis, their cages do not.
Hamsters are generally low-maintenance pets, but it is critical that you clean out their cage on a weekly basis and provide them with new wood shavings and bedding. This will keep any offensive odours at bay. However, if you notice that the cage is already smelling after only a few days.
Although it is necessary to clean your hamster’s cage often because they have a delicate sense of smell and might become ill if it is unclean, you should also avoid the urge to change its cage too frequently since this can stress them out.
While cleaning out your hamster’s cage, choose a comfortable and secure location for them. Make sure to empty the cage completely and deodorize it with a gentle soap or hamster-friendly cleaning. After you’ve washed the cage, make sure it’s completely dry before reintroducing your hamster to its fresh bedding.
How to Choose the Best Cage for Hamster – Important Tips to Consider!
Can you Bathe a Hamster?
Hamsters do not require a water bath. This is simply how they have evolved, and cleaning can destroy vital chemicals from your hamster’s coat. This could result in skin issues. If your hamster has something stuck in his coat then you should only give him a water bath.
Hamsters are tiny and delicate creatures. If they are not properly cared for, they are prone to a variety of ailments. We are here to guide you on how to take care of your little buddy, what to feed them and how to treat them when they are sick or not feeling well. Keep visiting for more and support us by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.