My hamster pouched a live mealworm

WinnieTheHam · 05-16-2015, 05:13 AM

I always offer Winston 3-5 Mealworms every other day, Today i gave him some egg, veg and mealworms.

He pouched the last mealworm, i didn't pop the head off as i don't usually do so. He always eats it first and this is the first time he has ever done it.

I'm really worried it's going to cause problems and that he won't be able to take it out of his pouch. It will probably bite him and cause discomfort and i really can't afford to take him to the vet as i only took him a couple of days ago.

He has Cushings so i know that something bad will probably happen if it bites him a lot. Im so worried, what do i do?

Also i didn't know what thread to post this in, so sorry if it's in the wrong category

cypher · 05-16-2015, 06:56 AM

He'll probably manage to get it out again & there's not much you can do except watch to see if he does show any signs of pain or discomfort that could be caused by a bite, if he does then you'll need to take him to the vet.
I really wouldn't risk feeding live mealworms in future, kill them first, it's just not worth taking a chance with something like that which could potentially be a danger.

WinnieTheHam · 05-16-2015, 07:08 AM

I think it may have come out with the veg he had in there too, Also the veg might have distracted the mealworm from biting (i hope so). I will in kill them from now on, he just really enjoys it when it's wriggling around though, but i guess i'll have to, to prevent illness. Thank you Cypher

katmick · 05-16-2015, 10:58 AM

Hi,I never fed live mealworms to my hams,but it can be done,you must crush the head first.I know it's cruel,but mealworms have powerful jaws that can be used for inflicting powerful bite if need be.I would say your ham will be ok for now,I am sure he emptied his pouch as soon as he got to his nest or pantry,so it should be fine.X

Piebald · 05-16-2015, 11:02 AM

Those things can live a while and are pretty tough, no? Might be worth having a look for it. I'd worry it might lay eggs too.

WinnieTheHam · 05-16-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piebald

Those things can live a while and are pretty tough, no? Might be worth having a look for it. I'd worry it might lay eggs too.

They can suffocate, so if its in there long it'll die. Mealworms are beetle larva, so it won't lay eggs as it's still a young one itself.

katmick · 05-16-2015, 11:48 AM

But Piebald has a point though.I don't think that mealworms would suffocate in the pouch,as pouches are used by mother ham to transport her newborn pups if needs be.I agree that mealworms are tuff and will live for a while before turning into puppae or before dying.It would be worth to look for it,otherwise you may assume that your ham had a good munch on it.
I was also thinking about feeding fresh mealworms as they are more nutritious,I just wouldn't be able to crush their head.

WinnieTheHam · 05-16-2015, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katmick

But Piebald has a point though.I don't think that mealworms would suffocate in the pouch,as pouches are used by mother ham to transport her newborn pups if needs be.I agree that mealworms are tuff and will live for a while before turning into puppae or before dying.It would be worth to look for it,otherwise you may assume that your ham had a good munch on it.
I was also thinking about feeding fresh mealworms as they are more nutritious,I just wouldn't be able to crush their head.

I will have a look, although he emptied it in his bed, and his bed is underground. I'll have a look at his pouches but he hates being scruffed.

Thin Lizzy · 05-16-2015, 10:03 PM

Have you had any luck finding the mealworm?

WinnieTheHam · 05-17-2015, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

Have you had any luck finding the mealworm?

No, he didn't come out at all yesterday after he Pouched it. I didn't want to stress him and dig up his burrow that i built for him as he was sleeping. I will try again today but it's very hard to tempt him to come out no matter what foods i try