What Does It Mean if Your Hamster's Nail Is Brown?

Hamsters are subject to a variety of health issues if they're not properly taken care of, including those involving the nails and nail beds. Though hamster nails may be brown for reasons unrelated to health problems, it is important to observe the nails of your hamster for changes. In addition to darkening, hamster nails can become overgrown if not dealt with correctly. Use necessary means to keep your hamster's nails fit, so the hamster will stay happy and healthy.

  1. Type of Hamster

    • Hamsters come in an array of colors, including brown, brown and white, black, mottled black, gray, white, and various shades of tan, cream and light orange. A hamster's nail color often correlates to the hamster's fur or body color. For example, white and other light-colored hamsters can have pinkish nails, while hamsters that are darker in color may have darker-colored nails.

    Dye

    • Your hamster's nails may darken as the result of treading on newspaper in her cage. The ink from the paper can end up on hamster feet and nails. Hamsters may also become sick from exposure to ink chemicals. Replace newspaper with other bedding products such as wood shavings, or pelleted products such as recycled paper straw, in your hamster cage, and do so often, to avoid this issue. Frequent bedding replacement will prevent your hamster from continually walking on soiled bedding, which can result in various infections.

    Infection

    • If your hamster's nail has darkened and the nail is usually light in color, the hamster may be suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection. A hamster can pick up infections from walking on soiled newspaper or wood chips, or through contact with other hamsters that are ill. Take your hamster to a veterinarian that specializes in rodents to determine a course of treatment. If left untreated, fungal and bacterial infections that begin in the nail beds can spread to the rest of the body.

    Additional Hamster Nail Health Tips

    • In addition to fungal and bacterial infections in the beds, hamster nails can become overgrown and curl under, which can cause mobility and other issues for a hamster. Introduce items into the hamster's cage that will help keep nails short, such as climbing rocks and "rough wheels." Trimming your hamster's nails may also be necessary. Keep your hamster calm while you gently squeeze the paw to splay the nails. Use a nail clipper to carefully clip each nail, one at a time. It is essential to avoid cutting the quick, which will make the hamster bleed and cause him pain.