Beaten Up Dwarf Hamster @ College - Page 2

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 05:10 AM

Thank you for your concerns about the dwarf hamster, these hamsters are colony species that do have scuffles now and again between each other, then then settle down fairly rapidly. This behaviour often happens when the group has gone through change (cleaning out is often when it happens) or a home has been changed.
The animal centre team are very aware of these animals behaviours and you can rest assured the hamsters (as, all of our animals) are closely monitored. With dwarf hamsters it is true that to remove each one having ‘a scrap’ would mean that we cannot house as a colony and then it would become solitary and lonely!

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 05:11 AM

That was the response :s

Pebbles82 · 01-12-2017, 05:23 AM

Typical. Talking down to you. Tricky. I would reply with this link to the RSPCA advice on housing groups of hamsters (ie an authority bigger than you or them).

"Thank you for your reply, which is much appreciated. As a hamster owner I do worry about their wellbeing. I can see it's a difficult situation when they are housed in a group and part of a class demonstration, and that removing them and the change unsettles them. I am much reassured that the animal centre closely monitors them and I think just seeing an injured one upset me a bit. I would be really grateful though, if you could pass this RSPCA link on housing groups of hamsters, to the animal centre team, as it may help prevent any serious injuries occuring. I am also happy to take the injured one and rehouse it, or being involved in the care aspect at the college, if that is acceptable."

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwe...msters/company

(Maybe not that last bit - your own words are best too!)

As you say though, the difficulty is you don't want to get the tutors back up. Which is why I was wondering if there was a personal tutor or someone like that you could deal with who could give some back-up. Most colleges have to have a "pastoral" team or similar for students to go to with concerns or problems.

Offering to be involved in the care at the animal centre might not be such a bad move though, as you can try and change things a bit and re-educate them gently by making suggestions and coming up with ideas. But I do think you need some back-up.

With back-up you may be able to beat about the bush less and say something like - I'm sorry but the animal centre needs a bit more up to date training then and I'd like to see the conditions of the dwarf hamsters we use improved.

I didn't add the final bit of my story. My Personal tutor was brilliant and also thanked me for coming to her about the issue. She said they knew there was a problem but they couldn't do anything about it until someone complained. It then went higher up and the Nursing Officer and ward were dealt with directly by the School of Nursing, I didn't get a bad report and felt a bit validated. I think it was my last week on the ward so didn't have to feel uncomfortable going back there, but they would have moved me if I'd asked.

In your situation it's a bit different with a two year course and you need to feel comfortable carrying on with the same course and tutors, so seeing a personal or pastoral tutor could help. Accepting bad conditions isn't an option. Does anyone else in the class feel the same way? Safety in numbers

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 09:28 AM

I will definitely be taking your advice!

It's a shame as the staff on the animal unit are actually very nice people. I think my email may have been slightly misleading as I wasn't suggesting the complete separation of the colony but rather just the one!

I would happily offer him a home, I know the college does actually have a pet shop license so it may not actually be completely out of the question. Although I'm unaware of all the technicalities!

I've decided in my response to clarify how I think the one individual should be separated for his welfare, and also hope to do a bit of researching.

We only have practicals once a week (and lessons with that tutor) and what animal enclosures we got to is scheduled so I'm uncertain as to if I'll be able to see them again anytime soon.

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 09:33 AM

I do have a personal tutor but she doesn't specialize in one area of the college so I think my next course of action would be to talk to the course manager, who once again is a lovely person and I'm sure he would take my concerns on boards.

Pebbles82 · 01-12-2017, 09:47 AM

Good luck! It's not easy challenging things, but sometimes you just feel you can't do nothing. The important thing is to try and do it so it doesn't cause a backlash for you and I'm sure you'll manage that. The course manager sounds good. You could show her that RSPCA link as well. Maybe come at it from the angle you'd like to see the conditions of the hamsters follow certain RSPCA guidelines if possible so the class can learn about that as well.

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 11:03 AM

I've responded with a very lengthy reply detailing all my worries, observations, and even making the point at how simple and beneficial it will be to separate just him. I added compliments to the college and animal team to soften, because whilst this situation is rather bad, elsewhere I am very impressed with their care and didn't want to make it sound criticising.

My email worked out to just under 600 words, and a little over a page on Word. Almost feel sorry for the guy receiving it XD But will be interesting to see their response.

If it's still not what I hoped for I have contacted The Pipsqeaukery hamster rescue who if memory serves me correctly have housed colonies of dwarf species together for their opinion, which will be sent along with the RSPCA links you kindly provided Serendiptity

I am ever so thankful for everyone's advice and responses

aragneer · 01-12-2017, 11:58 AM

Hi GreySyrian,

I just want to come in and say how brilliant I think you have handled this. You've done a great job and wording yourself and coming across professionally and keep doing what you are doing for this poor little guy.

I am keeping an eye on this thread for updates so I hope this gets resolved.

Drago · 01-12-2017, 12:38 PM

Very unfortunate they do not have very open minds. This unfortunately is so common, people keeping animals in very dangerous situations, but think that they know best, and thus endanger the helpless animal. I do wish people could put aside what they think they know and instead of acting superior, act in favor of the animals. Fingers crosses the RSPCA sees the problems with how these animals are contained and takes action. Good luck, hopefully these poor little ones will be in a better situation soon

GreySyrian · 01-12-2017, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aragneer

Hi GreySyrian,

I just want to come in and say how brilliant I think you have handled this. You've done a great job and wording yourself and coming across professionally and keep doing what you are doing for this poor little guy.

I am keeping an eye on this thread for updates so I hope this gets resolved.

Thank you for your kind words

With any luck he'll be enjoying his own cage soon away from the bullies

I'll be sure to update everyone on what happens next