hamster biting self

Question
my hamster is only about 4 weeks old and i have had him for about 2day, it keeps cleaning itself which is normal i think but keeps biting its testicles, may it have fleas? itd from a large chain of pet stores

Answer
Hi Rhian

It is fairly unusual that hamsters get fleas - they more often get mites, but these tend to affect them around their head or trunk area and they tend to scratch a lot if they have these.  Also the skin tends to go a bit flakey.

Unless there are any other symptoms, I wouldn't worry about this too much right now - he is only a young hamster and obviously very clean, hence all the grooming.  Obviously, if he makes himself sore or bleeds, then you will need to get advice on this, but I would be inclined to monitor the situation to see if it changes - chances are he will settle down and stop doing this.

Regards