blueberry dwarf hamsters health

Question
I have just got back from class and noticed that my hamster has moved all of his bedding into the middle of his cage. He is making a funny sound not a squeak but like a clicking and he keeps pushing his paws to his face over and over again. I have had my hamster for 2 years and he has never acted like this before. I don't know if he is sick, has something caught in his throat, or what to do to about it. He is not moving around much, though he did clime on my hand but he is still making the sound and putting is paws up to his throat and pushing them up and over his face. I don't know what he is doing.

Answer
Hi Brittnee

Sorry to hear about your hamster.

Around this age they are prone to illness and it could be that there is some problem, such as tumor etc.  In which case a vet would need to intervene.  However, there are a couple of things it would be worth checking - firstly, what are his teeth like?  Try and have a look in his mouth - the bottom teeth are considerably longer than the top ones.  Check they are not overgrown, nor that they are growing unevenly.  Teeth can sometimes break and they can grow lopsided, also if the bottom teeth overgrow they can grow into the roof of the mouth or into the lip.  If they are overgrown they do need trimming - if in any doubt you should get a vet to show you how to do this - you need special clippers and must not cut the teeth too short.  

Secondly, have a feel along the side of his face where his cheek pouches are.  The way he is behaving suggests that perhaps there is something stuck.  Have you been feeding any 'hamster yoghurt of chocolate drops'?  These are known to sometimes cause blockages in cheek pouches.  If you can feel food in the pouch, gently slide it along to see if you can empty the mouth - don't press too hard (move your fingers as though you are squeezing a toothpaste tube).  Also have a look and smell at his mouth - if he has scratched his cheek pouch it might have set up an infection.

At this age they can get a lot slower and sleep more - this is normal, however if he is feeling poorly then this will be more obvious.  If you are in any doubt then it would be worth getting a vet to check him out as they may be able to identify the problem and medicate accordingly.

I hope this helps.
Regards