Hamster newbie.

[LightlyKilledCrunchyFrog]

I have inherited a hamster. When he arrived, his eye was hanging out so he had it removed under general and is now uni-ocular. It doesn't appear to be bothering him especially! he is nice and fluffy but has quite flaky skin, is that usual?

Does he need toys? He has a house with tunnels rather than a cage.

So far is very clean - food stays in the food area, only wees in one spot etc. Is cleaning it out completely once a week enough?

He is extremely friendly and happy to be handled, although you have to approach from the seeing side or he jumps out of his skin!

Anyway, any advice welcome on how to help him have a long and happy life! He's 13 months old now.

Aww, bless him! None of my hamsters have had flaky skin, I've had three not including those I had as a child.

None of mine have ever been very interested in toys but something to chew on like wooden blocks and a mineral stone to keep their teeth down is a good idea.

I also give mine probiotics in her water as the pet shop had her on it when I bought her.

Hamsters usually store food in their bed area, well all mine have! So it can need cleaned out more often. Once a week for the rest of the cage is fine if you are spot cleaning.

Giving little bits of fresh food can help them stay healthy, search for foods that are safe though as some foods are dangerous to them and others can upset their wee stomachs.

who did you inherit from? why didnt they look after his eye/take to vet :(

glad he is friendly, yes clean out once a week and give fresh veg daily

ours love a loo roll to chew and also love to chew explore our sofa with us keeping a beedy eye

never had flaky skin, tho had a few going bald,usually due to mites/stress etc :( but antib's from vet soon clear it up