Hamster Talk Is Moving!

It is with great regret and excitement that I announce that I'm moving! My blog will now be Tumblr as I can customize it more. Please continue to follow myself as well as Isaac, Espurr, and Pudding. Sorry for any inconvenience.

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Tanks VS. Cages

DING DING GO!There is a HUGE debate about rather glass tanks or wire cages are better for hamsters. Below I will list some pro’s and con’s and let you decide for yourself!

GLASS TANK 

Pro’s                                     
-Simple to clean
-No assembly required
-Affordable
-Harder to escape from
-Chew proof
-No bedding/mess can fall out
-Many sizes available
-Easy to fit things in
CON’S
-Heavy/hard to move
-Hard to expand
-Will break if dropped
-Not visually appealing by itself
-Some hamsters fear hands above them
-Have to buy parts to attach things to glass walls
-Free standing wheel may tilt/fall over

WIRED CAGEPRO’S
-Fun and colorful design
-Many options to chose from
-Easy to expand
-Tubes to satisfy borrowing needs
-Some come with accessories
-Climbing opportunities
-Easy access to your hamster
-Can attach things to wire walls
Con’s-Heavy/hard to move
-Hard to expand
-Will break if dropped
-Not visually appealing by itself
-Some hamsters fear hands above them
-Have to buy parts to attach things to glass walls
-Free standing wheel may tilt/fall over
-Complicated assembly/cleaning
-Expensive
-Hamster may be able to escape
-Hamster can chew/get stuck on bars/plastic parts
-Bedding/mess can fall through wires
-Replacement parts may not be available
-Hamster may reach/chew things outside cage

I did a lot of digging and asking. I must of visited over 50 internet sites talking about this debate. These are the pro’s and cons of the hamster community, not just me.

The “ Tanks Have Poor Ventilation” mythThere was, however, one reoccurring concern that I did not add to mu Pro/Con list, as it is not true! The “Tanks Have Poor Ventilation” myth. For some reason, many people think that since a glass aquarium is solid on five of it’s six sides, air can not flow through and a hamster kept in this tank will die. This is untrue! I’m sorry if this offends anyone but it is a myth. GLASS TANKS DO NOT KILL HAMSTERS. As long as you don’t cover the top with something that is solid, plenty of air can flow in to the tank. A glass tank should have a wire top on it. That is the only acceptable cover. In my experience, of everyone I personally know, and through all of my research, I never found a single person say they actually had a hamster die from suffocation due to a glass tank. If you prefer wired cages that’s great! (No sarcasm. No offense. Seriously)

Still can’t decide on tank or wired? WHY NOT BOTH?!

Glass Tank With Wire High RiseIf you think both are a good option (Or your still that afraid of suffocation) why not combine the options? A glass tank can easily have a wire high rise added to it. With that, you get to have a environment where bedding won’t be as likely to fall out, and your hamster still gets plenty of tubes to run through! (BTDubbs, this is the perfect option for a gerbil)

My Personal ChoicePersonally, my favorite choice is the tank option. It’s a close race. VERY CLOSE. But I like to put a lot of toys and houses in the cage and I find a tank works best for this. And I don’t loose the tubing accessories that I have a LOT of money invested into because I connect them to the puzzle playground accessories and put them in the tank. But everyone is different and to each their own! :))

SNAP Needs Help!

Hello everyone! I wanted to spread the word about a worthy cause in need of help! 

SNAP: Spay-Neuter Assistance Program

No birth is the first step to no kill!

SNAP is a low cost pet clinic with the goal of providing pet care to low income families and reducing animal overpopulation. SNAP offers spay and neuter services along with wellness check ups and pet medications. All of this is at no or a severely lowered cost so even families that may be struggling financially can give their pets proper health care. (I'm in San Antonio, Texas, but I know there are other clinics elsewhere.)

SNAP tries to spay and neuter as many animals as possible. Pet overpopulation is a big problem as you can see by these statistics.

• 56% of dogs and puppies entering US animal shelters are euthanized.
• 71% of cats and kittens entering US animal shelters are euthanized.
• 4,900,000 cats and dogs are destroyed in US shelters each year.
• 55% of dogs surrendered to US shelters are not spayed or neutered.
• 47% of cats surrendered to US shelters are not spayed or neutered.
• $125 the cost of tax dollars to shelter an animal in one US city.
• 508 puppies can be born from one female dog and her offspring in 7 years.
• 4,948 kittens can be born from one female cat and her offspring in 7 years.

Spaying and neutering your pets also have wonderful benefits such as but not limited to:

-Your female dog or cat will live longer and be healthier.

Spaying your female pets can help prevent uterine infections and breast cancer. These diseases are fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats, and spaying your pets before their first heat is the best prevention for these.

-Your male dog or cat will have health benefits as well.

Neutering your males can prevent testicular cancer if it is done before six months of age.

-A spayed female won't go into heat.

During breeding season, female cats normally go into heat four to five days every three weeks. They will advertise for mates by yowling and urinating more frequently. They will even mark their territory all over the house!

-A neutered male won't want to roam away from home.

Males will do just about anything to find a mate, including digging under and climbing over fences. Once free, he's at risk for injuries from cars, people, and other dogs.

-Neutered males will be better behaved.

Neutered dogs and cats will focus their attention on their human families, where as un-neutered males will mark their territory, be prone to aggression problems, and focus more attention on female dogs.

-Fixing your pets will NOT make them fat.

Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to gain weight, not sterilization.

-It's cost effective!

The cost of surgery is a lot less than the cost of having to care for a litter.

-Spaying and neutering helps fight animal overpopulation.

Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

I'm not only posting about this because it's important to have your pets fixed, but because SNAP needs help! Every animal that SNAP fixes gets two towels during surgery, and a blanket for recovery. Recently their washing machine broke down beyond repair and they desperately need a new one. The staff has been taking loads of towels and blankets home to do in their own washers! The new washing machine will cost $1,200, because they need a high volume one. SNAP is asking for donations. So far they have raised around $500! There almost halfway there!

I really believe in what the people at SNAP are doing! I think they are all wonderful people, especially for going above and beyond and doing the laundry at their own homes! If you would like to help out you can make a donation today! Any amount helps! $50, $20, $5, even 50 cents will help them reach their goal. SNAP also accepts donations of new and used towels and blankets to keep the animals comfortable both during and after surgery.

You can visit the links below to learn more or donate. Not saying you have to donate. Just spreading the word!

SNAP's website:

http://www.snapus.org

SNAP'S FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/SNAPUS

Donations for the new washer can be made here: 

http://www.snapus.org/washer

OR you can mail it here:

SNAP, PO Box 70286, Houston, TX 77270.

(I just wanted to add that I am not doing this because SNAP asked me to, I just really believe in the cause and want to spread the word and help in any way I can!)

Until next time guys! Later! :))

Rest In Peace Sasha

Hello everyone. I have some sad news. Yesterday evening our little Sasha passed away. She was a little over a year and a half old which means she lived a long, full life for her species. I found her in part of the puzzle high rise I had made for her. She looked very peaceful, so it doesn't seem like she was in pain.

She was a Sapphire colored Djungarian Hamster, also known as a Russian Winter White, or a Siberian Hamster. They have a dark stripe that runs down their back from the top of their head to their tail. In the wild their fur turns white during the winter to help them hide from predators. They are a relatively friendly species of hamster.

Sasha's favorite's!
Food: Corn
Treat: Papaya
Fresh Food: Cucumber
Activity: Exploring tubes and running on her wheel
Sleeping Spot: A wooden box my dad and I made
Place: Anywhere high up

Sasha loved to be handled and was so sweet. She loved high places and picked through her food to eat the corn first. Our baby girl was brave and amazing.

Rest in peace baby girl.

Sasha

July 20, 2012-January 20, 2014

-Tracy

Update! :3

Hello everyone!

Update time! I know you all missed me, and I'm sorry for not posting in a while, but I have big news! We've had a new addition to the family! In my previous post I mentioned that we had a new kitten named Isaac! We also brought home his litter mate. Her name is Espurr!

Sasha is doing well too. In her old age she is sleeping more, but she's still up and moving around. She has gotten a bit more territorial and prefers to be picked up in something instead of by hand, but other than that, she is still happy and healthy!

See you soon!

-Tracy

The BiggER Move!

Hello again! How is everyone liking the new Tumblr?

Anyways my boyfriend and I moved….Again. This time we moved to a house. Yay! *excitement* We moved last January to an apartment with a friend but it was too small and my boyfriend and I wanted to go on our own so we moved.

Sasha came with us of course! With all the extra space we have in the house were making some new additions to the family! Right now we have an orange kitten named Isaac and later we will be picking up another kitty. Oh and did I forget to mention that our neighbors’ two black cats often come over to visit. They think they live here too. 

So if anyone is moving with a small pet and wanted some tips you can check out my blog from January when we moved to the apartment. (The link will be below) It also talks about Sasha some. I’ll post updates and pictures of little Isaac soon.

http://winryyuzu49.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-big-move.html

-Tracy

Is My Hamster Sick?

We all love our hamster and want to take care of them, but how do we know if there healthy? Our furry little friends cannot talk to us so they can't tell us if they don't feel well. Therefore it's out responsibility to be able to recognize when a hamster is sick! And know what to do!

Hamsters can fall victim to  may illnesses and injuries such as broken bones, colds, pneumonia, tumors, reproductive failure, mange, parasites, infections, abscesses, diseases, cancer, diabetes, wet tail, tooth problems, and more.

**NOTE: If you suspect your pet is ill or hurt you should contact a vet or proper small animal care giver. I am here to give advice and help but I cannot diagnose, give treatment, or cure an animal over the internet. While I will respond to any questions or comments you have as fast as I can, you should not only rely on me when it comes to the safety and well being of your pet.**

Signs Of A Sick Hamster and Illnesses:
Fur Loss

Hamsters should have soft fur that covers their entire body (with the exception of their feet and tail). While a hamster's coat will lose some of it's luster and thickness due to aging, it should not thin out very quickly or have patches of fur missing. Rapid fur loss is known as alopecia, and is a serious problem. Rapid fur loss can be due to mites, lice, mange, infections, abscesses, tumors, scratching, and adrenal disease. If fur does not grow back or continues to thin over the next few days contact a vet.

Loss of Appetite/Weight

Healthy hamsters will continuously munch on food and treats throughout the day. If you notice your hamster's food bowl is untouched and he/she ignores his/her favorite treats something may be wrong. Pay close attention though! Hamsters are hoarders and store food in their cheek pouches and habitat, so even though their food bowl is empty, doesn't mean they are eating. If you notice your hamster has lost weight he/she may have an infection, pneumonia, cancer, or another serious illness needing medical attention.

Wet Tail

Wet Tail is a serious health problem that many small animals are at risk for. Regularly check the fur around your hamster's tail. If it is matted or wet your furry friend probably has the common disease. Though ovulating hamsters often have a discharge around the tail it will be very temporary. Diarrhea is also a sign of wet tail. Hamsters who have had too many greens will probably have diarrhea. Reduce their greens intake. Wet Tail can kill within a week, so if you suspect your hamster of it, take them to a vet immediately

Cold

If your hamster has a runny nose, or is breathing irregularly, he/she probably has a cold. Keep her environment between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If his/her condition worsens or does not get better within a couple of days contact a vet. Human germs can transfer to animals so avoid your hamster if you are sick. Have someone else care for him/her.

Breaks

Hamsters are fragile little creatures and broken bones are not uncommon. If he/she is limping, or not moving, they may have a fractured bone. Try not to move them. Remove the wheel, any tubes, and anything he/she can climb on or fall off. Place food and water close to the injured hamster and consult a vet immediately.

Lumps

If you feel a lump on your hamster's body, he/she may have a tumor. there is not much you can do for this besides see a vet immediately.

Puffy Pouches

Though it sounds cute, puffy pouches isn't always something to "aww" over. Hamsters can unintentionally cut the insides of his/her pouches bu hoarding food and things in them. If your ham ham's pouches are constantly full, look overly stuffed, of you notice blood around the mouth he/she may have injured their pouches. A  vet should look over a hamster if you think they injured their pouches. If unattended an infection could occur.

Tooth Problems

If your hamster doesn't want to eat, drools, has a foul smell or blood coming from the mouth, or has visible loose, missing, or overgrown teeth they need to see a vet. Teeth problems are serious and can lead to death if unattended to.

Constipation

If you don't see any droppings in your hamster's habitat then something is wrong. He/ she should be given plenty of water. Talk to a vet if no droppings are found after a couple days.

Consuming Too Much Water

If you notice your hamster is going though water like it's the best thing since sliced bread something could be wrong. Assuming the water bottle is not leaking and the room is not too hot your hamster may have fallen victim to an adrenal disease, tumor, infection, or other problem. Assuming it is not just dehydration, a vet should be contacted.

Suddenly Becomes Fat

If your hamster suddenly gains a lot of weight something could be wrong. (When I say suddenly I mean withing a day or two) An adrenal disease, tumor, diabetes, or other illness could be the culprit. 

Take Action

If your hamster appears sick or injured take action! Separate him/her from any other hamsters and contact a vet if their condition does not get better withing a couple days or worsens.

The Vet

Is the vet really necessary? I mean, this is a little animal I spent $15 on that's only going to live a few years anyways.The vet is too expensive. If it dies I can always buy another one. WRONG. If this is the way you feel, then you should not adopt a hamster. While it is true that vets are expensive, when you adopt a hamster (or any living creature for that matter) you are responsible for his/her life. If they become ill or injured it is your responsibility to properly care for them, and if a visit to the vet is what it takes, then a visit to the vet it should be. There is pet insurance and other ways to help pay for a vet's visit or any medication.

Prevention

There are many ways to prevent your happy hammy from getting sick or injured. 

• Clean their habitat at least once a week
• Give fresh food and water daily
• Avoid contact if you are sick; Have someone else care for them until you are well
• Pay close attention to your hamster's eating, drinking and sleeping habits
• Know your hamster's body; Know when something does not look or feel right
• Do not choose a hamster if it appears sick, has sick litter mates, or has poor living conditions
• Handle them gently; Teach kids to handle them gently
• Provide a running wheel for exercxise
• Do not use ceader, pine, or sawdust; Only aspen wood or paper products for bedding
• Do not feed them old food, food that has been contaminated, or food with bugs
• Do not provide anything unsafe such as sharp objects, high places to fall from, or things to get stuck in
• Always have the number for a proper vet (Not all clinics see small animals so talk to your vet about your hamster)

Knowing when your hamster is ill can mean the difference between life and death. Make sure you know what a healthy hamster looks like and know when to consult a vet about your furry little fiend. I hope this helps!

-Tracy