Robo star gazing.. Help!

[Piebald]

I think sometimes zoo animals also will go a bit bonkers and engage in repetitive "pacing". Good idea to show the vet the videos. How is she doing? xx

[WinnieTheHam]

Hi teddy, I'm sorry to hear about your little girl. I've watched the video and in some ways it could be a neurological condition. Although Stargazing usually consists of looking up to the sky a lot and Kiwi doesn't seem to be showing any signs of that behaviour.

To me, it looks like a stereotypical behaviour (abnormal) which overtime is something animals learn through a certain stimuli. From knowing that she has been in a small cage throughout most of her life, i think she's developed weaving behaviour. Zoo animals do this to compensate for the lack of mental stimulation they've had. The lack of space she had would have been the stimuli to this behaviour she has learnt, she probably went in circles because there was not enough room to get rid of excess energy. She will probably still do this when excited or energetic and probably will continue to show this behaviour because she's lived with it for so long. It won't be anything to worry about if it is just an abnormal behaviour due to the reasons i stated.

I'd still go to the vet and see what they say, but i'm guessing it's an abnormal behaviour that's developed over time. Hope she'll be okay

[Teddy001]

Well, today, was Kiwi's vet appt. I did call before her scheduled appt., and spoke to the vet over the phone. I expressed my concerns with transporting her, even a short transport, due to I didn't want undue stress on her, also, I was concerned with the hamster carrier, being, small. I asked the vet if she could determine, or have a good idea, of ear infection, or behavioral circling or neurological disorder, by watching Kiwi, in her habitat.. Vet agreed, it would most likely cause Kiwi to go into regression, with the trip to the vet, and small being in a small hamster carrier, so soon, after she has been transitioned from the small Critter Trail, to the Detolf. So, I went in for a vet consolation, without Kiwi. I showed 4 vidio's of Kiwi, taken on different days, and gave copies of scientific studies, involving rodents/hamsters, that had the animals in very small confined space, with no stimulation, and no opportunity to run, exercise. I also, gave vet copies, of scientific studies performed on rodents/hamsters, that concluded cage size, played a major role in "cage aggression" and "depression".

After an 2 hour vet consolation, vet did not want to at this point, give meds for infection, rather, asked me to observe Kiwi's behavior, and document in a notebook, time/date she does the circling and how length of time, and if any stimli, may trigger the circling.. Vet did say, if I notice Kiwi, declining, or falling to the side, or tumbling head over, then I need to bring her in right away.

I also expressed to the vet, whom ever had her previously, I'm convinced mishandled her, due to she has nipped me, simply with having my hand in the cage, and also, has lunged at my fingers. That to me, is not normal behavior.. she's fearful, of human hands/fingers.

I've also told the vet, I will give Kiwi the best of care, both medically and as her new owner, and just maybe, there may be a chance she may be able to trust humans someday. If not, that's okay, as long as she is well taken care of and not exposed to unnecessary stress, I will give her the best life I can.

Here is a recent vid of Kiwi. https://www.facebook.com/jay.micheal...03364058710279

[Teddy001]

Originally Posted by Piebald

I think sometimes zoo animals also will go a bit bonkers and engage in repetitive "pacing". Good idea to show the vet the videos. How is she doing? xx

Yes, I must agree.. I believe that could happen to any animal, that is forced to live in a space, much too small. x

[Teddy001]

Originally Posted by WinnieTheHam

Hi teddy, I'm sorry to hear about your little girl. I've watched the video and in some ways it could be a neurological condition. Although Stargazing usually consists of looking up to the sky a lot and Kiwi doesn't seem to be showing any signs of that behaviour.

To me, it looks like a stereotypical behaviour (abnormal) which overtime is something animals learn through a certain stimuli. From knowing that she has been in a small cage throughout most of her life, i think she's developed weaving behaviour. Zoo animals do this to compensate for the lack of mental stimulation they've had. The lack of space she had would have been the stimuli to this behaviour she has learnt, she probably went in circles because there was not enough room to get rid of excess energy. She will probably still do this when excited or energetic and probably will continue to show this behaviour because she's lived with it for so long. It won't be anything to worry about if it is just an abnormal behaviour due to the reasons i stated.

I'd still go to the vet and see what they say, but i'm guessing it's an abnormal behaviour that's developed over time. Hope she'll be okay

Yes, I agree. It's like the animal, compensates for the lack of space, by doing what it's able, to relieve stress, or they may go crazy..

[racinghamster]

Really pleased that the vet took the time to watch your footage and listen to what you had to say Teddy, that is good news. At least the vet knows about this now and can continue to care for/treat Kiwi should it be necessary. But observations right now and letting her settle and relax are key. x

[cypher]

It's great you have such a good vet who gives so much time & consideration to a little ham's needs.
I really hope Kiwi does settle down more with time, after all she's been through she may well take a while but she's in good hands now & has the best possible chance.

[Piebald]

Sounds like you have a great vet. She looks much better to me, really quite normal rodent type activity. Only the odd circle or two. I think it's a good sign that she runs both ways in her wheel too. If she was damaged or infected on one side she might favour one direction. She is quite fun to watch. xx

[Teddy001]

Thanks, everyone Kiwi's adjusting very well, and doing great!!

[cypher]

That is just so good to hear