Can a hamster OVER-stuff his cheeks?? (Pic!)?

Question

My hamster Winston has been hoarding all his food in his cheeks for hours and his face keeps getting bigger and bigger. Its normal for him to stuff food in there (like all hamsters), but i've NEVER seen ANY hamster do this!

Is it possible for a hamster to stuff his cheeks so full that he can't get it back out? He's been like this for hours.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn85/reese_14063/SANY1489.jpg

The Cman · Accepted Answer

Don't worry, he will not overstuff himself he knows his limit. He still has a little slack it looks like, but the main thing to look out for if you are still concerned is coughing, choking etc. Anything that may suggest he has food stuck in his throat or that shows he is trying to rid it from his mouth with trouble. If you live where it has been getting colder, this can trigger an instinctive mechanism that will tell them to hoard as much food in their cheeks as possible to take as few trips as possible to their den.

If you want to remove the food yourself, you can actually open the mouth and gently massage his cheeks forward. Careful not to apply back pressure or you may inadvertently force food into his throat

marvray · Answer

Hamster Cheeks

kaymuhr · Answer

Just keep an eye on him - if he seems to be trying and failing to empty his pouches you may need to help as you don't want the food stuck in there too long, as it will go bad.

I've had to take a hamster to the vet before to empty his pouches as he seemed unable to.

Anonymous · Answer

he should be fine. my boyfriends hamster stuffed 4 whole cheese-its in her mouth at the same time once lol  just keep an eye on him to make sure he doesnt choke

Jennifer · Answer

Very cute, but isn't that a hairless rat?  Although none of my rats have ever stuffed there cheeks like that!!  Amazing.

beachbabe · Answer

Thats no hamster ewww

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Can a hamster OVER-stuff his cheeks?? (Pic!)?

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