A Healthy Hamster
Hamsters are usually very healthy little animals if kept in a good environment and fed properly, but prevention is better than cure. It is important to look at and handle your hamster daily, in order to become familiar with the animals appearance when it is well. It should then become very much easier to spot any change for the worse. The main external signs of a healthy hamster are�

Anus � Clean, no staining, scouring or discharge.

Appetite � Good, eating well during there active period and having a good food store.

Breathing � Silent and regular.

Body � Clean skin and rounded. No growths, sores or swellings.

Claws � Short and trim, no split or missing.

Coat � Clean and dry. Free of soiling, matting and parasites.

Demeanour � Calm, quiet and restful during the day. Highly active, quick, alert and agile at night.

Ears � Fur covered when young, balding with age. Not torn or sings of discharge.

Eyes � Bright and clear. No cloudiness discharge or encrustation.

Feet � Strong and well formed. No toes missing or deformities.

Mouth � Clean, No sores or dribbling.

Movement � Quick, darting movements. Good climbing and burrowing abilities.

Nose � Clear of any discharge or dried mucus.

Pouches � Used frequently. Filled and emptied with forefeet, no soreness or abnormal swelling.

Teeth � Clean and undamaged. Front incisors worn down naturally on hard and gnawing blocks

If your hamster does show any signs or growths, sores or acting differently to its usual self, I suggest you seek a vets advice as soon as possible.
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