uhm...im new pls help hurt hamster!!!

[maddiekatty102]

so uh... just bought a runt baby dwarf hamster of some kind...legit a few hours ago...and...i dropped him off my shoulder. he stopped moving then started walking but he drags his hind legs...what should i do? he wont rest and keeps trying to escape his tank. we also cant afford the vet and dad says i should kill it to put it out of its missery. pls help...

[souffle]

Hamsters must always be held very low to prevent this sort of accident. It does sound as it he has been badly injured. It could be a broken spine and he could have internal injuries. He must be seen by a vet. Is there any animal charities near you that offer clinics he can be seen at. I hope you can sort something out even if it means he needs given rest.

[Hammy992]

Hi Maddie,
As Souffle has said it does sound as though your hamster has been badly injured by the fall. If there are any animal charities or shelters around your local area that might be an option for you; there are some other vet services as well like PDSA and Blue Cross who provide vet treatment to people who have low income or are on benefits but they may be willing to see you in an emergency like this.
The other thing you could do is try calling some local vets in your area and explain the situation; one of them might be sympathetic to your circumstances and offer to put the little guy to sleep at low or no charge if this is what's best for him. They are businesses but at the end of the day they do not want any animal to suffer and will try their best to help you.

[Thin Lizzy]

You really need to get your ham to the vet asap. Hams are very clever at hiding their pain but yours is showing his.
I agree with the above post, just because hams are small, it shouldn't be assumed that they won't need vet care. I'm also surprised at your dad's attitude.

[Teddy001]

Please don’t kill your hamster. If you can’t afford vet charges, please surrender him to an hamster rescue.
I have an dwarf hamster that has an back injury, he was dragging both legs, after medical help, his back legs are fine!
Hamster needs vet services, ASAP. Please find someone that can take him in, and provide vet care, he’s a baby, please give him a chance to recover.
In the future, never place an hamster on your shoulder, ever! They should be held very close to your body with both hands when carrying them.
Don’t get another hamster if your Dad won’t pay for vet care, you need money saved Incase like what has happened, hamster is in dire need of vet help.

[Sasha04]

Hi Maddie,
LIke the others have said, please please please take your ham to the vet. Is there an animal charity near your area? They may be able to help. I hope your ham will do better!

We can all agree (obviously) that we love these furry little creatures and we all want what is best for them, even if that means giving them up to go to a better home. If you can not find a charity bring him to your animal rescue near you, they will be able to give him the proper vet care. Since you can’t afford to pay for vet bills and expenses, I would suggest not getting another ham. This is all for the hamsters best interest, I hop you can understand. Hope you will be able to help your ham.

[Pebbles82]

He is probably very frightened and stressed which is why he keeps trying to escape his tank. That is a good sign - it shows he is active. The injury does need looking at and it would probably be illegal to kill the hamster yourselves. Vet treatment isn't always expensive. As the others say, take him to an animal charity if your Dad won't agree to take him to a vet. They will sort out treatment for him and re-home him if you can't manage.

[BubbyandHamper]

I agree with the others. Find a pet charity or hamster rescue and see if they can help. Please do not hold your hamster far away from the ground, unless you can easily prevent them from falling. Do not kill your hamster. If he needs to be put down, a professional will do so.