Flump is poorly... :'(

hrl20100 · 11-13-2016, 01:48 PM

When i came home from work this evening, i noticed that Flump was sleeping in the middle of her cage. I thought it was odd as she never sleeps in the middle, but she made a nest around herself so i wasn't too worried.

However, she just moved from the bed in the middle, to the bed she normally uses... and she was walking slowly and was trembling a lot. One of her eyes is squinted and she is just trembling in her nest. I gave her a treat and she sat nibbling it but was trembling the whole time...

Does anyone have any ideas?

She's about 1year 4 months old now, so not super ancient

Penguin · 11-13-2016, 02:30 PM

oh no, I'm sorry that she is unwell

Does she feel cold? Is she having trouble chewing? Does she seem to be in pain if you touch her in a specific place or are you able to see/feel any abnormalities on her body?

Amber_x · 11-13-2016, 02:30 PM

Poor thing hope she gets better <3 No ideas sorry

Vectis Hamstery · 11-13-2016, 02:36 PM

I'm sorry to hear about Flump. I'd offer her some additional heat overnight (something like a hot water bottle or snugglesafe placed on the outside of one side of her cage so she can move to/away from it as she needs). I'd also suggest calling the vet in the morning to get her checked. All sorts of things can cause similar symptoms, for example pyo or other infection.

hrl20100 · 11-13-2016, 02:44 PM

I have tried stroking her but she ducks away from my hand each time i try. Whilst when she was healthy she'd beg me for attention and cuddles... i havent got anything warm to give her, but i have provided her with lots od extra bedding.

I really hope it isn't because she's gotten too cold... i live in a converted summer house but it does get cold still. Very cold. But we have two heaters in here and it gets warm incredibly quickly.

I should have known i shouldn't have had hamsters in here... :'(

Penguin · 11-13-2016, 02:58 PM

if you have a bottle laying around you could poor some warm water from the sink into that one, that might help

hrl20100 · 11-13-2016, 04:09 PM

I just tried picking her up and she freaked out

She is clean round her bottom area, but has really puffed her fur up... she's curled up the opposite side of the cage to where her bed is

Pebbles82 · 11-13-2016, 04:45 PM

It might be the cold or it might be something else. I know Charlie has been taking loads of bedding material - I've been putting six sheets of torn up toilet paper out each night and it's all gone in the morning. Maybe try putting a mound of toilet paper out for her to make a bigger nest. The heater overnight would help too. Also some people (including me) have these snugglesafe microwave bottle type things. You put it in the microwave according to the instructions for the wattage of your microwave, in its fleece cover then put it next to the cage (maybe near the nest area on the outside?).

They're not cheap but they're also available at £3.99 as an add-on if you happen to be buying something else.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SnuggleSafe...ds=snugglesafe

They stay warm most of the night. It still needs a warm room, but helps provide a hot water bottle effect in one area. I've just attached mine to the side of the cage near Charlie's house with one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Cab...oor+towel+rail

A vet check might be an idea though.

peasypea · 11-14-2016, 02:47 AM

It doesn't sound like she's just cold, if she is reacting like that to you trying to touch her. I would get her checked out if she doesn't improve with some heat. Poor Flump. It's really important to check if she's still pooing and weeing if you can. Let us know how she gets on.

cypher · 11-14-2016, 02:52 AM

Sorry to hear Flump is unwell, I agree that the change in behaviour sounds much more like a sign of illness than just being cold, I really hope the vet can help her out & she gets better soon.