How do hamsters do it? Take an inside look
If you’ve ever watched hamsters stuff their cheeks and maneuver through narrow tubes, you may have wondered just how they pull it off. This BBC video uses X-ray vision to reveal how they can turn tight corners, and where all that food goes. (via Dana D.)
That was freaky-cool.
Is a hamster’s spine more flexible than a cat’s?
Im thinking yes, seeing how it doubled back on itself!
David Tennant! I’m re-experiencing the How to Train Your Dragon books, read by him, and I’m more in love than ever.
Have to save the pouchy cheeks for after work. pout pout
Absolutely fascinating! The flexible spine, especially in the xrays, kinda freaked me out. Almost looked like a piece of spaghetti being maneuvered. Did not realize the “cheek” pouches extended down to his hips, talk about being able to pack your feed bucket on.
Thanks for the excellent info.
The hamsters should consult pocket gophers for tips on facial food storage. The pocket gopher has fur-lined pockets running back to the hips, and fur probably doesn’t stick to food as much. On the other hand, I’ll bet it’s hard to use the mouth to groom the fur off to the side of one’s mouth. Perhaps they reach back with their opposite paw, but that would happen underground, so I’ve never seen it.
I love this video. It’s an excerpt from a two-part documentary called Pets: Wild at Heart. It’s a great watch and listen. Hmmm… David Tennant…
Okay, that video needed the Mission Impossible music! Super cool.
Sometimes I feel that I’ve got pouches extending down to my hips. Oh wait, they’re just love handles.
My pouches extend to my knees. Sigh.