Is it normal for a hamster's cheeks to stay full all day with food?

You are right in thinking this is unusual for a mouse. It is possible for food to get caught in the space between the chewing teeth and the cheek. Sometimes this happens if the there is dental disease, particularly a malocclusion of the teeth. It is possible for the food pellet to be too dry and that is why it could be lodged/stuck there. Lastly, there could be tissue swelling, such as a dental abscess that is at this location and it is not food at all. If your mouse will let you safely look in the mouth using a q-tip or a popsicle stick, I would start there. You may need a flashlight to help you be able to see as well. If this causes Nutmeg to stop eating, traumatize the skin around the mouth and become lethargic, then I recommend having her examined by your veterinarian.

I can't really see properly as the pictures are very blurry but it is likely to be his cheek pouch that is protruding outside, you will have to take him to the vet ASAP, the pouch will need to either been sutured back inside or removed surgically.

Thanks for reaching out about Cooper and including a photo. Impacted or infected cheek pouches are not uncommon. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try massaging the cheek pouch in an attempt to empty it. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Hamlet and including a photo. If this is an everted cheek pouch, a veterinary visit is a necessity. He will likely be chewing on it and will become infected. It is understandable that anesthetic is a risk but return and suturing of the pouch is needed. Good luck.

This could be an impacted cheek, an abscess or a tumor. Your vet may want to sedate Neville in order to properly look into the cheek without causing him too much stress. If Neville has an impaction, the vet will remove the food and check the pocket and teeth for injury or reasons for the impaction. If he finds an abscess, which could easily occur when some spiky food causes an injury, he will likely drain and flush it. As for a tumor, he may suggest to remove it or not. That will depend on the type of tumor and the size and also on the age of your hamster.

Most hamsters will gnaw in these chunks to help file down their teeth. Watch them closely to make sure they are eating well and acting normally. If you find they are always leaving these chunks behind, you may want to look for a food with smaller pellets. I hope this helps!

While it's unlikely that your hamster is contemplating the meaning of life when she stares off to space, it is possible that she may be ruminating on something, dozing or even snacking on a piece of food in her cheek. However if she is showing any other signs of confusion, circling, disorientation, etc that she doesn't snap out of if you get her attention, it may signal a problem and should be checked out. Otherwise, keeping her entertained with some new toys, a treat or some attention may help.