Help, please?

amcculloch · 07-30-2018, 10:29 AM

Our Clubhouse was given a dwarf hamster. One of our members agreed to care for it when a friend could no longer do so. Once she deemed she couldn't handle it either, the hamster came here. When we received the hamster (my responsibility now), he/she (I don't know how to sex hamsters) had pine bedding, and I noticed there was some fur missing in spots on the hamster, so I decided to change to paper shredding bedding. Now, the skin is still pink and in some spots looks pretty dry. The fur doesn't look to be growing back, but it has only been a week. Any ideas??

cypher · 07-30-2018, 11:51 PM

Well done for giving this little one a home

If it's only been a week I wouldn't worry too much, give it a little time & see how it goes.
Do you have a sand bath with chinchilla sand (not dust) for him/her? This can really help to keep their skin & fur in good condition.
If the skin is dry then a few extra flax seeds (linseed) each day will help & you can also give a little evening primrose oil, really they only need about half a drop a day so I mix some up with some dry oats in a little pot I keep in the fridge & give them a pinch a day or every couple of days if they have problems, once a week as a maintenance dose.
What are you feeding your ham as a good diet is essential to keep the skin & coat in good condition.
A good dwarf specific mix is the main thing but fresh veg can also help beginning with a tiny piece every few days gradually working up to daily.

dreamtree1234 · 07-31-2018, 06:49 AM

Hi and welcome to HC! I'm so sorry that this little sweetheart has been passed from home to home, but I'm very pleased that you have decided to give him/her a loving, forever home with you. Now the little darling will be able to thrive in your care and settle in completely. I'm sorry that he/she is having missing fur and irritation on the skin; Cypher has given you excellent advice that should most definitely help. The paper bedding that you have given this little one should also help, too. I will be wishing you and your new, precious ham the very best.