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 my hamster has gotten very fat and bloated.we thought she was pregnant, but she's been like this for about a month. she has no teet development either. any suggestions? it would be a great help. meghan
Answer Female Syrian hamsters can get quite large and this is normal. If her change in appearance is more a pear shape, or bulges on her hips then it would be worth getting her checked by a vet. They can get ovarian cysts which can cause a change in body shape and these do need specialist attention. Hamsters can also suffer from kidney problems which can make their kidneys enlarge.
The gestation period for a Syrian is only 16 - 18 days therefore it doesn't sound like she is pregnant.
Is she eating/drinking normally? Is she playing as usual? Does she sit hunched up, have a dull appearance or is sleeping more than usual? Any changes in her behavior might indicate illness.
How old is she? When hamsters get close to the 2 year mark they are prone to getting abdominal tumors and these can make them look very large on the hips and give them a ‘pear shaped’ appearance.
It could be that there is nothing wrong with her and it is that she has just gained weight, but if you feel it is something other than that then it would be wise to get a vet to check her out.
