Expert: Robin Flynn - 9/21/2009

Question
My hamster is nearly a year old, he has always drinks and eats very well. Recently i put 1 peace of cucumber for him and he seemed to like it so every few weeks i put some more cucumber in (only 1 peace though) but last night i noticed he had been sick (since I've had him hes never been sick) so i took the cucumber out. Then in the morning he had been sick again, i have since then took all his food out and made sure he had plenty of water. Since i got him i have always used the same food, treats, bedding and sawdust. The only thing that is new, is the cucumber.  

Have i done the right thing in taking all his food and treats out and is the the cucumber making him sick or is there something seriously wrong with him?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

The first thing I would do is bring him to a vet. And I would not take his food away. An animal will not force itself to eat when its sick. Leaving the food in his/her cage is fine. It is my understanding that hamsters can eat cucumbers so I don't know if there is a connection between feeding him/her a piece of cucumber. Don't blame yourself but please bring him to a Vet so they can help you make a proper diagnosis. I hope your hamster gets better.

http://hamsterlifeanswers.com/take-care-of-a-hamster.html
http://www.hamsterific.com/hamstercare.cfm

For the Animals,
Robin