Introducing Puff

[kaptenanna]

Thank you all! We are very grateful to have him in our lifes. However wierd it might sound a more demanding animal will create a deeper bond between human and animal and we get a better connection. Since I watch and monitor him very closely I'm getting to know all of his little quirks and how he reacts in different situations. It also seems like he is getting to know me as he is very interested in what I am doing when I'm in the room and he has started to change his sleeping pattern to more match mine (but in reverse, of course).

Do you think creating a new thread that emphasizes on caring for a stargazer would be better than to post updates in this thread? I'm thinking about the people looking for information specifically about the life of a stargazer and this thread might be harder to find as it does not specify it in the title.

[Hanhanboban]

Puff is very very cute! Love his little eyes (:

Can I ask why this Stargazer is? As I've never heard of it before, and how can I look out for it and check for symptoms incase one of my hammys end up with it?

Thanks a lot (:

Hannah x

[Sammypoo]

What lovely photos your hammy is adorable. Can I also ask what stargazing is as I am reading up and learning quite a lot about our furry friends and have never heard of it.

[Sammypoo]

Infact just stumbled apon it in a book am reading would love to be kept up to date with your hammys story look forward to reading any future posts about Puff

[kaptenanna]

You can read this excellent post on it here on the Dashing Hamsters blog! Puff has a mild form so thankfully he is not a spinner, but he stands on his toes and falls on his back and is unable to get up for a while. He also has some other little ticks he does.

[kaptenanna]

So I wanted to give you all an update on the little guy. I've changed his cage layout to a simpler, more natural look and he seems to love it. The tripping and falling that seems to be induced by stress have been reduced dramatically!

Here's a picture of his current setup right after I cleaned it today - included is a munching Puff:



I've also started him on a treatment with vitamin B supplements. He's been on it for 4 days so no results to report on that as of yet. He has also gained 10 grams in 2 weeks and seems to be growing very nicely. His fur is fluffy and shiny and overall he looks very healthy!

[Hanhanboban]

Ohhh thanks for the link that's very interesting! I'll do some more research on that (:

Puff is just a little cutie tho and I'm sure he'll live happily in your care (:

Hannah x

[Hanhanboban]

His cage looks lovely and he looks so cute up there!

Does the vitamin b help with the disorder? Or can it be purchased in stores to give to all our hammys?

Hannah x

[DrKMcK]

Hello kaptenanna. You can start a thread in the health forum and just title it "Stargazing". It is very interesting and your experience might help someone else on down the road. Puff is a lovely little guy and he looks wonderfully round and healthy. Hopefully he'll continue to only have a mild form of this disorder. I love his setup.

[Munchalot]

Aww he is just so cute!! :3 He's already won my heart, and I will be watching this thread. x

I think creating a Stargazing thread is a great idea. There are several topics in the Healthcare board for common ailments, but no mention of Stargazing that I've seen. It could be very helpful to anyone else who might come across this with their hammie, and it's always good to know more.