Hamsters are one of the smallest members of the rodent family. With small furry bodies, short legs, and tails, these are one of the cutest animals on the planet. They are also now one of the most popular pets and are a family favorite for many kids and adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re thinking of bringing a pet hamster home, it would be helpful to know the animal better. An understanding of the anatomy of a hamster and all of its body parts and functions can equip future owners with the knowledge they need. You will also be able to take care of the animal better and be able to detect any problems quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the main body parts and features in hamsters and why are they important? Let’s discuss it below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contents<\/p>
When it comes to hamsters, the first feature one instantly thinks of is ‘fur’. These little furballs are widely known for their cuddly and soft bodies with different types of fur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most hamsters will have short-haired fur that would be silky and smooth to touch. It often has a shiny, satin-like look to it. However, some breeds also have longer haired fur such as Teddy Bear hamsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gently brushing the fur occasionally will keep it soft and tangle-free. You should also provide it comfortable, smooth bedding so the hair does not get stuck in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With changing seasons and passing age, your hamster may start to lose some fur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice premature fur loss in your hamster, you should consult a vet and get it checked for an underlying skin condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hamster first opens its eyes around 11-14 days after it is born. They have round, innocent, dark eyes. However, their eyesight is not that good<\/a>. In fact, hamsters see the world in black and white, with shades of grey, and sometimes faded green and blue hues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being nocturnal animals, hamsters have the ability to see well in low-light conditions or at night. With little to no colors in their vision, we can say that they’re essentially color blind. They are also not capable of seeing too far away. Despite poor eyesight, they are able to navigate easily using their senses of touch and smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always keep an eye on your hamsters’ eyes. Entropion is a common painful condition where the inner part of the eyelid starts rubbing against the hamster’s eye. Other eye problems to look out for include protruding, sticky, or runny eyes, which may indicate an infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hamsters have very unique cheeks. Not only are they adorable, but they also have an interesting feature. Most hamster breeds have expandable cheek pouches. that let them gather and carry food for longer periods of time. Their pouches can act as a form of storage for surplus food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, the cheek pouches don’t have salivary glands and are dry, helping hamsters keep their stored food dry and fresh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, the cheek may turn inside out and this requires surgery by a vet. The inside of the cheek pouches may also get cut due to food it carried or because the teeth grew too much. In order to prevent such issues, you should check your hamsters’ teeth regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCommon Problems:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hamster Cheeks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Problems:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hamster Teeth:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n