Body language and vocal noises make up only some of the communication methods used by hamsters. In order to convey really specific information about themselves, hamsters make use of scent glands located on various parts of their bodies.

The location of the scent glands varies between hamster species; if you own a Syrian or Roborovski Hamster, you’ll find one gland on each hip. Cambell’s Dwarf Hamsters and Winter Whites have six pairs of glands, one each on the ears, belly, and genitals. Chinese Hamsters have a pair on their sides, and also on their abdomens.

The primary use of these scent glands is to mark territory and also, in the case of males, to signal the attention of the opposite sex. To mark their territory, hamsters will rub their flanks up against the walls of their cage. In order to mark any section of their cage that isn’t located near a wall, the hamster will scratch its hip glands with its rear feet, and then walk around the area it wishes to mark off.

If you have two or more males living in the same cage, the dominant male will mark his territory often and the subordinate males less frequently. Females will also mark their territory in the same manner, but when she’s in heat both she and any males in the cage will reduce their markings. They’re giving each other the message that “it’s okay for you to enter my territory, but just for now!”

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