I think my hammy is a bit off...

kihyunnie · 07-17-2018, 02:51 AM

Okay so i have a hamster and his name is Kiwi and he’s been a bit off these past few days and i’m really worried. He’s been sleeping a lot and hasn't been on his wheel during the night (cause thats when he usually uses it) and he doesnt really eat as much he used to before. Whenever i get him to cuddle with him he usually is really hyper but these past few days he just goes near my pillow to sit there. When he’s in his cage he just sits in a corner when before he usually runs in his wheel or does other things. I checked if he’s an old hammy (since my friends got him for me for my birthday i don’t really know how old he is but they gave him to me just four months ago) and his fur isnt even getting a thin and he doesn’t show any signs of arthritis either and his eyes and ears are good too.. However earlier he accidentally touched my arm with his nose and its a bit wet but not that wet.. is that something i should be worried about? Im sure he doesn’t have wet tail though.. Does anyone know what’s wrong with him? I’m really really worried

Pebbles82 · 07-17-2018, 05:28 AM

It could be the hot weather affecting him

You could put a ceramic mug in the fridge for a couple of hours and put it in his cage on its side then he has somewhere cool to sit - or you could alternate two mugs (ie swap with the next refrigerated one next evening!) Ceramic is a fairly cool thing anyway.

Also check his water bottle is working ok and letting water out and he can reach it ok.

WinnieTheHam · 07-17-2018, 05:28 AM

I'd definitely get him checked at an exotics vet. Lack of appetite and lethargy are signs of illness so ideally you need to get him checked and treated appropriately. The weather at the moment also may add to why he's acting this way. It is quite warm and they will nap and not eat as much as normal during warm weather. Make sure he is away from drafts, but try and keep the room cool if you can.

Hope you figure out what is wrong soon and I hope Kiwi gets better x

Pebbles82 · 07-17-2018, 05:35 AM

Winnie is right - I missed the not eating as much. You can see how he is and if you think he doesn't seem right then a vet check would be a good idea. Do you have a pet carrier?

Thin Lizzy · 07-21-2018, 05:06 AM

This hot weather has had quite an affect on hamsters, the cooling of a ceramic mug is good advice, I done that with my boy's ceramic flowerpot. Also have 2 fans.
I also increased Master Harvey's veggies to make sure he kept hydrated.