Help - Baby hamster seems sick - Page 2

CMB · 11-07-2017, 12:17 PM

The first four are seeds, the flax, linseed are and millet are very small seeds. You can get sun flower seed hearts (no shell). They would be easier for your hamster to eat as it wouldn’t have to open the shell.

What country are you living in? I have science selective hamster food. It is a pellet food, but it can be moistened with water to make it soft. You may be able to get that or something similar.

ae5843 · 11-07-2017, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMB

The first four are seeds, the flax, linseed are and millet are very small seeds. You can get sun flower seed hearts (no shell). They would be easier for your hamster to eat as it wouldn’t have to open the shell.

What country are you living in? I have science selective hamster food. It is a pellet food, but it can be moistened with water to make it soft. You may be able to get that or something similar.

I am in the US. I have tried wetting her food and soaking it up, and mushing it, she still wouldn't take it. Even grinding it up in the blender, still a no go. The only thing she's taken so far is a tiny bit of yogurt from a spoon... and that was hardly anything.

CMB · 11-07-2017, 12:36 PM

The rough feeding guide on my hamster food bag is 7 grams up to 10 grams a day. This is about 1 desert spoon per day.

They only seam to eat a little bit at a time. I wonder if some warm food may be eaten. Warm baby food or warm porridge made with water.

Pebbles82 · 11-07-2017, 02:59 PM

Soft food sounds good. Baby food from jArs is like purée. Age 4 months is usually best as you need to avoid onion garlic spices and tomato.

Maybe try a bit of mashed banana on a spoon or scrambled egg. Also maybe put a big pile of torn up strips of plain white toilet paper in and an extra house or hide or two - a tissue box or shoe box with a hole cut for a door. She might feel cosier and less unsettled. Was it today you went to the. Vets

ae5843 · 11-08-2017, 06:55 AM

I took her to the vet and they gave her a needle with fluids because she is dehydrated. They gave me an antibiotic to give her, as well as food to administer with a syringe. I am keeping her warm with the heat pack and light. Giving her food through the syringe is SO difficult as she won't take it... She had a tiny tiny bit....but still, not much. This morning I woke up and tried giving her the medicine, she seemed to take it but her mouth is so tiny, its hard to even tell. Then I noticed she is having trouble walking and seems SO weak. I do not think she is going to make it through this. I am doing all I can... I just feel so terrible for her, she is so weak and hanging on. It kills me to see her suffering like this.

velma · 11-08-2017, 07:03 AM

I am sorry that she is so poorly but you're doing everything you can. She's under vet care and I'm sure someone will be able to give you some tips on successful syringe feeding but whatever the outcome, you are treating for her with great love & care and that she will know that & it will make her comfortable & less scared.

ae5843 · 11-08-2017, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velma

I am sorry that she is so poorly but you're doing everything you can. She's under vet care and I'm sure someone will be able to give you some tips on successful syringe feeding but whatever the outcome, you are treating for her with great love & care and that she will know that & it will make her comfortable & less scared.

Thank you for your kind words. I wish I could do more.

cypher · 11-08-2017, 09:06 AM

So sorry to hear she's not doing well with the meds & care you're giving, this is really hard but try to take some comfort in knowing you are doing the best you can for her, you can't really do more.

Pebbles82 · 11-08-2017, 12:20 PM

Our last syrian wouldn't take things from a syringe either. If you can find something she will lick, like baby food or a bit of mashed banana, you could put the drops of medicine in a tiny bit of that on a teaspoon so she gets the medicine.

You are doing everything you can. Would suggest not doing any clean outs to avoid any further stress, just take out the odd handful of substrate every week or two and replace it.

Is she hand tame and holdable? Just wondering if she might like a gentle stroke and cuddle in your hand? Or in a blanket on your knee.

alpacassei · 11-09-2017, 12:12 AM

Does the pet shop your bought her from have any kind of insurance ? All the pet shops I've bought hammies from have an insurance policy where if the hammie gets sick within the first week, they'll cover the vets bills.

With my Marcello, and also a baby mouse I rescued, they wouldn't eat or drink from a syringe so I used a tiny soft paintbrush and put the food and water on that which worked a lot better because they were able to suck the food/drink from it. Try heating the baby food (make sure to get nothing containing onion or citrus) or smooth porridge to just over room temperature because Marci and and the mouse both wouldn't eat unless it was warm.

Good luck with your little girl! I really hope she gets well.