Hamster health

[sylphishone]

I have 2 female hamsters. One is a dwarf and the other is normal size. The dwarf has something pink hanging out of the right side of her mouth. At first I thought it was her tongue but realized now it isn't. I am wondering if it isn't an inverted cheekpouch or something. It doesn't appear swollen but she no longer stuffs that cheek. It has been this way for about a week. Does anyone have any ideas? Will it fix itself? She still does eat and drink and it doesn't seem to cause her pain.:eek:

[RadioWave]

If you don't get an answer here, there's lots of hamster experts at alt.pets.hamsters. If the regular size hamster is a Syrian (also known as a Golden hamster), be warned that they are extremely solitary creatures and she is probably attacking and trying to kill the dwarf.

From here (http://www.petwebsite.com/faq.htm)Can I keep a Syrian and Dwarf Hamster or different kinds of Dwarf Hamsters together in the same cage?

No. Syrian Hamsters are solitary and if caged with a Dwarf Hamster may attack and kill it. Dwarf Hamsters, although sociable do have different temperaments and they will find it stressful living with another Dwarf Hamster of a different species.

[im2evil4u]

I had three Russian dwarf hamsters. Based on your description, I had a similar concern. One had problem, where her cheekpouch, when empty, would hang out of the side of her mouth. Not very classy, but according to the pet store no big deal.

She was quite a firecracker though. I woke up one morning, she's sleeping off to the side of the cage and the other two have buried themselves under the wood chips. How cute!!

I proceed to pick one up to say good morning and discovered that there was nothing left of them but tuft of hair that was sticking out. She ate them both.

[AngelicGemma]

You don't keep them together do you?! PLEASE tell me you don't!

[sylphishone]

I don't have them in the same cage. They were fighting so now each have own living space.

[sylphishone]

They only shared a cage for a couple of days about a year ago. It became pretty clear right away that wasn't working so we got each their own home. The dwarf is very friendly and comes to see you. The big one is okay but not as friendly.

[AngelicGemma]

Originally posted by sylphishone
The dwarf is very friendly and comes to see you. The big one is okay but not as friendly.

Dwarf hamsters always seem to be really friendly. I had about 15 at one point! (Damn pet shop guy - "Yeah, they're both males...." and of course I couldn't give the babies away because they were so cute!)

[sylphishone]

Yeah, I was told the dwarf was a male. Turns out it is a female. Now I have two females. I like them both though. I just worry about the little one.