Problem with sand, Hammis nearLy died

Minicooper · 10-11-2006, 05:06 AM

Its a long story.

Well, A few days ago Hammis smelt really bad, so I cleaned her cage etc and a day later she still smelt bad. So I thought of getting some sand, so hammis can have a sand bath.

So I went to the pet shop and asked for some Chinchilla sand (My friend uses it for her dwarfs), the owner went out back and came back with a bag, which looked like sand. He said it will cost £2.00. So I took it home and put it in a little carry case I bought hammis.

In the evening when Hammis was up, I got her out and put her in it, She started squeaking but it wasnt any squeak, it sounded like if she was panicking.......

.............

So I took her out straight away and her little heart was beating and she looked at me like if she was saying "Why did you do that daddy". Then Only to find that the pet shop owner gave me CHINCHILLA DUST!!

The next day I went back to the pet shop and said that you sold me Chinchilla Dust and I asked for sand, and that it nearly killed my hamster. He didnt seem bothered, he just looked at me and said "Do you want a refund"

, I was so mad.

I said why did you sell me dust, and he just said "Its the same stuff". I am so mad and annoyed!!! How can a pet shop owner not no the difference between dust and sand.

Grrr :

Lucky, Hammis is ok now. I also Found out that Dust is very potent, and can kill a hamster in a matter of minutes.

SnuggleHam · 10-11-2006, 05:39 AM

I’m glad Hammis is okay. Never rely on pet store employees to know what they are talking about. Also next time Minicooper, be sure you clearly read the packages so you know just what you are buying. I find that with the sand and dust products, it usually says on the package if its sand or dust. Not sure about over in the UK though. I’ve seen bags of sawdust that never clearly stated what type of shaving they were.. so you never know.

As far as I know and have experience with, Syrian hamsters don’t require a sand baths the same way dwarf hamsters do. Dwarfs tend to have more grease in their fur it seems like especially the robos. Hammis is a female Syrian, she may be smelly when she goes into heat. It’s a natural thing. But so long has her cage is kept clean; she doesn’t really need any bathing, so you don’t need to worry

souffle · 10-12-2006, 12:18 AM

Quite right Snuggleham, females do have quite a distinctive smell which is very recognisable if you have both sexes. Hamsters should not smell nasty or bad in any way. Is her bottom clean? Check her well for any signs of infection diarrhoea or discharge and if all is well then keeping the cage clean will make sure she is fresh. Sometimes the more you clean the more they scent mark around because they like to keep their own territorial scent so your normal cleaning routine should be fine.

Minicooper · 10-12-2006, 01:12 AM

Yes, there is a yellow discharge around her anus area.

souffle · 10-12-2006, 05:22 AM

Females normally have a pale yellowish opaque discharge during their cycle. If this becomes very profuse, blood stained or smells badly the hamster may have an infection and need treatment. I suspect Hammis just has the normal discharge but if you are in any way concerned you should seek veterinary advice as I could not diagnose anything on-line. If you know your hammie you will know what is normal for her. We check our hammies undersides every day which is a good thing to do as you quickly notice anything that is not normal,

Minicooper · 10-12-2006, 05:29 AM

I check hammis most nights, She has had this discharge for months now.

souffle · 10-12-2006, 05:33 AM

Well sounds normal then Minicooper, Just keep a close eye and check her daily

Are you not at school?

Minicooper · 10-12-2006, 06:04 AM

Yeah, I have a viral infection, Had it for a few weeks now. Ive had my coursework sent home, Just finished my unit 4 for health and social care. another 4 units to go

souffle · 10-12-2006, 06:57 AM

I thought you had been around a lot during the day. Well hope you get well soon and return to the swing of things. It will be hard to catch up I expect but as long as you are working at home that will help.

Minicooper · 10-12-2006, 11:05 AM

They said they will send me some coursework to do, till I go back. If they didnt send it I would probably be behind. These last two years are the most important. I want to pass my health and social as it is worth 4 GCSE, I also got a work placement at a nursing home. Sadly I cant go at the moment till I get better.