AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
Question QUESTION: Hi my hamster is constantly sleeping, rarely getting up. It doesn't eat that much and is not as active as before. Whenever I put it in a hamster ball, it doesn't run around as actively as it used to anymore. I tried to pet it but it bit me today for the very first time. What should I do?
ANSWER: Hi Edric
How old is your hamster? Is he 2 or more years old? If so, then this is quite normal as he is getting old. Around this time they do slow down a lot and start sleeping more. They are also prone to some illnesses and it could be that he is not well and therefore more aggressive.
Is he still eating/drinking normally? Has there been any increase in his drinking? What is his body condition like - is his coat good or is it dull/dry/flaky? Has he lost any weight or has his body shape changed?
If you want to get back to me with a few more details I might be able to suggest what is wrong.
Regards
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QUESTION: he rarely eats/drinks. sometimes he doesn't drink. His body condition is the same, i don't think he's lost any weight. when he's walking, he makes his body look like a hump, although when i stroke it, it's body goes back to normal
ANSWER: I'm assuming that he is around 2 years old????? If so, when they reach this age they do show signs of old age. Have you checked his teeth? If not it might be worth having a look. The bottom teeth should be a lot longer than the top ones. Sometimes they break their teeth or they grow lopsided which makes it difficult for them to eat. If this is the case they may need clipping by a vet.
Regarding his walking - does he waddle along? Does he fall over or drag his legs? At around 2 they can develop abdominal tumors and these can affect the way they walk. When they have these as the tumor gets bigger the harder it is for them to walk and they really ought to be taken to a vet who would probably advise euthanasia.
Is he eating anything? You could perhaps buy a packet of human baby food (creamy porridge oats is a favourite with hamsters). Mix a little with water and give him this, along with his usual dry hamster mix and some fresh vegetables (avoid lettuce as it can cause diarrhoea). Often when hamsters are ill or elderly they enjoy eating something like this because it is easy for them to eat and gives them a lot of nutrients. It is important to give his usual food as well as too much soft food will make his teeth overgrow and cause him more problems. Hamsters tend not to drink much unless they are ill.
As hamsters get older they do sleep a lot more and get lazy, but when he is out of his nest he should still look bright. If he doesn't then I suspect this is either an old age problem or he is unwell. If you are concerned about him at all then it would be best to get a vet to have a look at him as it is very difficult to know for sure what is happening without seeing him.
I hope this helps you.
Regards
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QUESTION: My hamster is at least one year old. I think he has wet-tail. He walks with a hunched back and according to a website I found, it's an indication of wet-tail. He doesn't fall over when he walks.
Answer Hi Edric
If he has wet tail he will have severe diarrhea and his rear end will be wet. If this is the case then you need to get him on probiotics and rehydration fluids.
You can do this either by taking him to a vet and they will prescribe them, however, if you can't it is possible to use human products. The oral rehydration powders are available in chemists. Mix a sachet according to the instructions and put this in his water bottle. Also give him some through a dropper/pipette. The pet probiotic is called Avipro, but if you can't get this, then in your health shop you should be able to buy some capsules of acidophillus. Open up one of the capsules and put this in his water bottle. Also mix up a little and give through a dropper. Both of these should be given until the diarrhea stops and his poo is back to normal. Also, it is important not to give any lettuce as this can cause diarrhea. Clean his cage thoroughly and make sure you wash your hands after touching him - especially if you have any other pets.
Do you have a local vet that you can take him to? That would be the best option. When a hamster is hunched up this is often an indication that they are in pain and a vet should easily be able to rule out wet tail or a tumor and get him on pain relief if necessary. If you have never taken him to a vet before, then it is a good idea to phone one or two and find out if they can treat a hamster and what the cost is so that you don't end up with a huge bill.
