My hamster is about 6 months, her name is Choco. She keeps scratching herself and lately she's been gnawing though the plastic bottom of he cage. Why is she doing this? Please help. She has a ball and a wheel.
Mites are tiny black parasites that feed off your hamster and make their home on the hamsters skin. Mild cases of mite infestations can be treated with an anti-mite spray designed for caged birds or small animals available from pet shops. The head of the hamster should be shielded to avoid spraying into the eyes and the body sprayed. The cage should be cleaned, sprayed with the anti-mite spray and clean bedding should be provided. You may also want to throw out any hay or wood chips that you had when the hamster first became infected with mites in case that was the source of the parasites.
It could be fleas, get her to the vet. With the gnawing though, that's how they keep their teeth short, without chewing on something, their teeth will continue to grow, and then it won't be able to eat. Hope this helps, good luck.