Happy birthday to me!

buttercuplols · 12-08-2018, 02:31 AM

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've been a bit absent and haven't replied to some folks. I will get round to it! Anyway, it's my birthday and I have news...

Yesterday I picked up a new little hamlette! I had every intention of getting a syrian but I got to P@H and they only had male syrians and I'd my heart set on a girl. I hadn't expected that and so I went for a walk round the block to decide what to do. On the way back in I passed the adoption centre and a little lady caught my eye. SOLD!!!

She's a Campbell's (advertised as Russian as they do!) and she's absolutely tiny and so so gorgeous! She has a really dark, defined dorsal strip. As I only got her home last night I've just left her be if she's up and about later I will certainly try and get a photo of her.

Anyway, just thought I'd ask if there's anything I should urgently know that would be specialised care as opposed to what I know about syrians. Considering a wheel downsize. She does seen to be able to use it but it looks absolutely huge!

Thanks for any advice in advance!

I'm in love! Happy birthday to me!

cypher · 12-08-2018, 02:53 AM

Congrats on your new girl & Happy Birthday! What a lovely present to yourself

She will be a Russian hybrid rather than a Campbell's which is why they're sold as Russians.
The main thing is probably diet, they do need different dwarf specific food ideally as small seeds are preferable for them, they generally love mealworms which are in some dwarf mixes too which not all Syrians do.
They are prone to diabetes so no sweet treats, fruit should only be a very rare treat but fresh veg daily (once she gets used to it) is good, nothing with any sugars including honey.

Sand baths are essential for Russian hams, big enough to roll & dig in.

What size wheel do you have? I use a 9" silent runner for mine, if she can run in it I wouldn't worry about changing.

Otherwise general care is much the same really.

buttercuplols · 12-08-2018, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

Congrats on your new girl & Happy Birthday! What a lovely present to yourself

She will be a Russian hybrid rather than a Campbell's which is why they're sold as Russians.
The main thing is probably diet, they do need different dwarf specific food ideally as small seeds are preferable for them, they generally love mealworms which are in some dwarf mixes too which not all Syrians do.
They are prone to diabetes so no sweet treats, fruit should only be a very rare treat but fresh veg daily (once she gets used to it) is good, nothing with any sugars including honey.

Sand baths are essential for Russian hams, big enough to roll & dig in.

What size wheel do you have? I use a 9" silent runner for mine, if she can run in it I wouldn't worry about changing.

Otherwise general care is much the same really.

Thanks so much. Didn't know about the hybrid thing.
I'm over moon regardless! She's adorable!!! I knew about the diabetes so that's all cool and I'll keep my eyes out for a specific dwarf mix. And the wheel is a wodent wheel at 27cm. She was on it most of last night though so I assume she's not struggling with it. It just looks really silly!

I'm off out for lunch soon which will give her some peace to settle in but I'll report back later or tomorrow depending on how much wine I drink later!

I can't wait to handle her so it's best I go out and distract myself I suppose!

Thanks again!

dreamtree1234 · 12-08-2018, 05:08 AM

Happy Birthday! I can already tell it will be an amazing and extremely memorable one since you have already gifted yourself with a wonderful lady-ham.

As Cypher has already covered all the specifics, I do not have anything more to suggest. Have the greatest time enjoy her tremendously and have the load of fun. Happy Birthday and congrats to you and your little ham. I look forward to seeing her gorgeous face and finding out what you decide to name her.

pinkpixie · 12-08-2018, 07:22 AM

Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day!

Conrats on your new ham. Look forward to seeing pics of her when she's settled.

buttercuplols · 12-08-2018, 11:58 PM

Thanks guys. She's settling in pretty well. I've stuck a sand bath in there and she can't get enough of it!!! Aww, I really can't wait to get a picture up! X

Sasha04 · 12-09-2018, 10:59 AM

Happy belated birthday!
Well, we know you had a wonderful day with your new ham!! Congratulations! She sounds lovely! Cypher has said it all. Looking forward to seeing pictures!

Thin Lizzy · 12-09-2018, 09:57 PM

Happy Belated Birthday and Congratulations on adopting your lady dwarf russian. What a wonderful gift to yourself.

buttercuplols · 12-10-2018, 03:36 AM

Hey everyone.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I got the setup and my mum bought the little one for me. What a great gift!

I put my arm in for the first time this morning and she came straight over and sniffed me and seemed fine so I got to give her a little stroke. She sure is brave for such a tiny one! I'm guessing she's been handled a fair bit as I've never started off with the taming process quite like that before. I have high hopes for this little dwarf!

I'll get snaps later if she's up for it. I can't put into words how excited and besotted I am already! Awwwwwww!!!!!

buttercuplols · 12-10-2018, 09:48 AM

Does anyone have any recommendations for food mixes for my little dwarfie? I've got her on the same one she had in the pet shop for the meantime and have been picking out the sweetcorn for the last few days but I want to move her on to something better quality. She seems a bit picky and I'm wondering if maybe pellets would be a good idea in time. It just seems quite boring though. I'd obviously be giving her fresh stuff to but I think I'd feel bad. Maybe if ahe had a better mix she wouldn't be leaving random bits?

Thoughts?