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

Let's Learn Ham Chat!

Anyone start really liking hamsters because of the cartoon Hamtaro?

I think Hamtaro was where my immense undying love with the furry little critters originated from. I remember watching the cartoon all the time. I had a bunch of VHS tapes of it. I also had many of the toys (which are still at my parents). I had many of the stuffed animals, a Hamtaro back back, video games, and the complete play set! Yeah, I was obsessed....Anyways. The show had an adorable made-up language called Ham Chat! When I was younger I had all of these words memorized and I would often use them in conversation. I was a weird child....

LEARN HAM CHAT!

Words A-H Ham-Chat       Meaning Bestest           Fantastic Bizzaroo         Strange Blahh              Tired Blanko            Forget Blash-T           Angry Blissie            Happy Bloat-T            Bloated Bluhoo             Sad Blushie            Embarrass Bye-Q              Good-bye Chuckchuck     Give up Clapclap          Encore Clingie             Hang Cramcram        Study Dazzlie            Beautiful Delichu            Delicious Delin-Q            Bad Digdig              Dig Dingbang         Noisy Dingding          Realize Dundeal           Sell Fend-D            Defend Flipflop            Switch Frost-T            Freezing Fussfuss          Worry Gasp-P            Oh no! Giftee              Give Givehoo           Ask for Gofor               Goal Gogo               Ride Goodgo           Good luck Go-P               Bathroom Gorush            Hurry Gossip-p         Small talk Grab-B            Get Greatchu         Great Grit-T              Courage Hamchu          Kind Hambond         Bond Hamboree        Party Hamcheer        Congrats Hamha             Greeting Hamigos          Best Pals Hamlift             Piggyback Hammo            Friend Hampact          Promise

Words H-P Ham-Chat        Meaning Hamscope        Aim Hamsolo          Lonely Hamspar          Rival Hamtast           Perfect Hamteam         Cooperate Hardihar           Laugh Herk-Q             Powerful Heyhoo            Call out Hif-Hif               Sniff Hotchu             Hot Huffpuff             Carry Hulahula           Lollygag Hushgo            Reveal Hushie             Secret Jamout            Play music Koochi-Q         Pretty Krmpkrmp        Eat Lalalala            Sing Libert-T            Freedom Lookie             See Lost-T              Lose Lotsa               Many Lovedove          Cherished Luck-E             Lucky Meep-P            Regret Mega-Q            Big Might-T            Strong Minglie             Play Nogo                No can do Nok-Nok           Knock Nokrmp-P         Hungary No-P                No Nopibloo           Don't fret Nopookie          Dislike Noworrie           Relax Offdoff              Remove Oopsie             Sorry Ouchichi           Ouch Pakapaka         Bite Panic-Q            Scary Passchat          Tell Perksie            Listen Pooie               Uncool Pookie             Like Pushie             Shove Putput              Put

Words R-Z Ham-Chat        Meaning Rubrub             Polish Scoochie         Climb Scrit-T             Scratch Scrub-E           Clean See-tru            Invisable Sesam-E         Open Shashaa          Hide Shockie           Surprise Smidgie           Almost Smoochie        Love Snorklie           Deep Soak-Q            Wet Sparklie           Delight Spiffie              Stylish Stead-E           Solid Stickie             Poke Swellie            It's OK Tack-Q            Roll Ta-dah             Show Teenie             Small Thank-Q          Thank You Thump-P         Startle Tinglie             Tingle Tiptop              Exellent Tootru              Really Tran-Q             Peace Trust-T             Reliable Tuggie             Tug Twintoo            Identical Twirlie              Twirl Vast-T             Wide Wait-Q            Wait Wake-Q           Wake up Whawha          Frantic Wishie             Beg Wit-T               Funny Wondachu       Wonderful Yep-P              Yes Zuzuzu            Sleep

See ya' next time!

Bye-Q!

-Tracy

Yummy Yummy For Their Tummies!

Hello everyone! Ever wonder what type of food and treats I feed Sasha? Well now you can know!
There are so many options of food treats available for small animals  Ever walk down the food and treat isle in PetCo? Yeah, it can be overwhelming! Especially to someone who is new to small animal care! Luckily, all the food and treats are pretty much self explanatory. They all say what kind of food or treat they are, and they all say what kind of animals are ok to feed the food or treat to. So as long as you pay attention to what your getting, you should be ok. (I'm sorry if that last sentence sounded mean, but it's very easy to buy rat and mouse food when you need hamster food. Trust me, I've done it before. Luckily I noticed it before I opened the bag and was able to exchange it.)

Photo taken at my local PETCO. Small Animal food/treat isle.

Food: Food is a necessary part of every living creature's life! So, shouldn't it be good?
          I use Kaytee Fiesta MAX Hamster and Gerbil Food. Sasha loves it and it is keeping her healthy.

Treats: Treats are a great way to reward, tame, and train your hamster!
          I give Sasha many different treats! Her favorites are Papaya treats, Blueberry Yogurt treats, and Millet Snips. She does enjoy the occasional Kaytee Timothy Biscuits as well. I tried to give her Roasted Corn treats, but she doesn't even touch them. I've also tried to give her banana and raisin mixed treats, but she hates raisins. Silly girl only ate the bananas.

Chews: Hamsters teeth never stop growing, so they need things to chew on!
          I usually give Sasha either Apple Chew Sticks or the little colorful ones that PetCo sells. Ocasionally I give her those sponge looking things, but she plays with them instead of chewing them.

Hays: Hays are not necessary for hamsters, though some appreciate it from time to time.
          I don't give Sasha hay often, but when I do, it's Timmothy Hay.

Fresh Fruits:  Not only are fruits healthy, your hammy will love them!
          Sasha enjoys apples! I give her a bite once in a while and she usually eats it all right away.

Fresh Vegies: Fresh vegetables are also a great, healthy treat, that your Ham Ham will love!
          As far as vegies go, Sasha loves carrots and cucumbers.

Keep in mind though, Just because Sasha likes these foods and treats, doesn't mean every hamster will! Just like people, all animals are different and will have different favorite foods! Also remember to check expiration dates on food and treats. They don't stay good forever! And if any kind of bugs get into the food or treats throw them all away. If they are in a container that you reuse, make sure to thoroughly clean it, and check your ham ham's cage for any bugs.

For a list on foods, treats, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and hays that are safe for hamsters visit one of my previous blogs: http://winryyuzu49.blogspot.com/2012/08/food-glorious-food.html

-Tracy

Guinea Cat?!

A while back my cat Berlioz (who still lives with my parents) brought a girlfriend home. Her name is Camille. Well, the two had a littler of kittens. Two solid black males. One moved up the street and the other moved in the house. His name is JiJi (pronounced Gee-Gee). The two later had a second littler who are also in the house. It seems Camille and Burr have a knack for making twins. This time the two had a solid black kitten and a grey and tan kitten, both female. The black kitten is named Eeva (pronounced Eve-A), and the grey one is named Ellie. Ellie instantly stole my heart. I'm sure a big reason for this is she looks like a very feminine, long haired version of her daddy Berlioz. When I visit I often tell her she's a princess and looks like she's wearing make up.

My beautiful Ellie.

So what do cats have to do with small animals?
Not too much. But my little Ellie has a very unique little quirk: She Popcorns.

What is a Popcorn?
Popcorning is something that Guinea Pigs do that resembles popcorn bursting when cooked. Their little bodies will just pop up into the air as a way to show they are happy and communicate with other Guinea Pigs. If you've never seen this, imagine a tiny ball of fur, popping straight up in the air, maybe turning their little bodies to the side, and kicking their little legs out. They often make a happy little yipping noise as well. It's adorable.

I've noticed my little girl will suddenly pop up into the air. It's a little kitty popcorn! I thought it was completely adorable and wanted to share it with you guys. It just shows that just because something is common for a single animal, doesn't mean other animals don't do it too. Or maybe Ellie is actiually part Guinea Pig?! Naaaah....I know what Ellie is doing is not technically popcorning, but it is close enough in my book.

-Tracy

It's Been One Year!

On July 20th, 2012, my boyfriend and I drove across town to a PETCO to adopt a hamster. We chose a female Djungarian, or Winter White, dwarf hamster. She really stood apart from her sister and we took her home. We named her Sasha and soon realized that something so small can become a huge part of both of our lives.

Sasha is a silly little girl who loves to climb. She spends much of her time in tubes. She also enjoys burrowing under bedding and running on her wheel. When we feed her the first thing she goes for is the corn. This is a little hamster who loves her some corn!

I take Sasha out of her habitat often to let her run and get exercise. It also helps her from getting board. You wouldn't want to spend your whole life inside of a cage, would you? Thought not. Sasha gets to play in all kinds of boxes and run on the bed. Always supervised of course.

Sasha loves to climb, so I use tubes and puzzle playgrounds to make things for her to climb through and on. Often the little thing sleeps inside of the tubes. She also loves the half log (in the picture at left) Sometimes I will make it so that a tube lets out under the log. Sasha sleeps there sometimes too.

 

Sasha's Favorites:

Food: Corn

Treat: Papaya treats and blueberry yogurts

Accessory: Tubes and Puzzle Playground

Toy: Half log and wooden ladder

Sleeping spot: Tubes and wooden box

Wheel: Silent spinner and flying saucer

House: Upside down wooden box with puzzle playground leading into it.

Sasha is over a year old now, but we are hoping she will have a long happy life. She is still very healthy and active, though she has gained a little weight. She still seems to love attention and getting new toys. This little girl still loves to run in her ball and gets jealous when she smells another animal on my hands. Our baby girl is something else!

Ok guys, I will post again soon. Later!

-Tracy

GERBIL WEEK: Shout Outs!

Today is the seventh day of the WEEK OF THE GERBIL! ++The last day++

Is everyone ready for some SHOUT OUTS?! I know I am!

Millie and Merille
These two little gerbils belong to my friend Kody. He's had them for around a year and they are quite a handful. They've chewed through many food bowls and water bottles and even the platform and ramp in their old cage....Let's just say now he uses chew proof things. I'm actually gerbil sitting these little girls while Kody is out of town. One of them actually chewed through my boyfriend's shirt pocket in a matter of seconds!

Nutmeg

This is Nutmeg! He is Catherine's 5 month old male gerbil. His favorite food is Cheerios and corn! He loves to roll around in dust baths and chew on toilet paper tubes.

I didn't receive any other shout outs.

Today is the last day of GERBIL WEEK! If anyone wants to suggest animals for the next animal week I will be happy to listen! I will post soon with some hamster related posts! :)) We can't forget about the ham hams!

-Tracy

GERBIL WEEK: Just The Facts....

Today is the sixth day of the WEEK OF THE GERBIL!

It's day six! Let's just get down to the facts........

Gerbils Facts:

1. Gerbils are native to Asia.
2. The gerbil sitting in your room is most likely a Mongolian Gerbil.
3. Gerbils thump their hind legs when concerned to warn other gerbils.
4. There are more than 100 species of gerbils.
5. In his/her life, a gerbil's teeth never stop growing.
6. A male gerbil is called a Hob, a female a Jibb.
7. Baby gerbils are called Kits.
8. Gerbils have scent glands on their stomachs.
9. Gerbils can identify each other through the taste of saliva
10. They are rather social animals.
11. Gerbils are very active.
12. They are extensive burrowers.
13. There are gerbil shows and pageants.
14. Gerbils can be trained to do tricks and run obstacle courses.
15. A gerbil's entire body is covered in fur-even it's tail.
16. They will run, hop, and chase each other around a cage.
17. Gerbils are very curious.
18. in the wild they roll in the dirt to make their fur softer.
19. Gerbils were first brought to the US in 1949 as lab animals.
20. Male gerbils, unlike many other rodents, help the mother raise the young.

Tomorrow is the last day of the WEEK OF THE GERBIL! I will be doing a GERBIL SHOUT OUT! If you want your gerbil shown, please send me a picture of him/her with their name, sex, and their hobbies and I will feature it! :)) Pictures can be sent to my facebook page or e-mail. winryyuzu@yahoo.com.

-Tracy