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Old 01-14-2019, 11:24 PM   #1
WeezyBee
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: California
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Unhappy Is my syrian hamster losing hair?

I have a long-haired Syrian hamster, and just moments ago he woke up and drank some water. I held him but when I turned on the light I saw that his back had lines on it? The area between his ears and a bit on the side had a lot of vertical lines, it looked like it was hairlines or a super thin layer of hair (?) with a little bit of pink. So I searched up furless hamsters or hamsters that were balding to see if it's similar but most hamsters had horizontal lines or had no lines at all. I don't think it was there before. I used by hand and pet him and I could cover it up with some fur but that was so odd. I wished I took a picture but he kept squirming and now he's in his hut. I'm worried he's losing hair. I got him last year during March so he is almost one year old now. I don't know if it was just weird bed hair day but once he wakes up again later today I'll check.

I would also like to point out that he seems to be acting normal and is still excited whenever I'm near the cage. It's just his fur I am concerned about.

Last edited by WeezyBee; 01-14-2019 at 11:33 PM. Reason: Lack of info
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Old 01-15-2019, 12:42 AM   #2
AxisOkami
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Default Re: Is my syrian hamster losing hair?

It's possible that he is losing fur, but not due to health issues.
He might be rubbing up against something in his cage which causes the hair to thin. Moisture from leaking bottles can also cause hair loss.
Another thing that might cause hair loss is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, so you might want to pick up some tonic or a mineral chewing stone for your hamster if you haven't already.
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Old 01-15-2019, 01:21 AM   #3
cypher
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Default Re: Is my syrian hamster losing hair?

What kind of wheel do you have & what size is it? It sounds as though he could possibly be rubbing against the spindle in the wheel?
It could be he's rubbing against something else in the cage too, it's always a good idea to check things from time to time to make sure nothing has rough edges that could be a problem.
If you can get a photo that might help see what's going on.

AxisOkami mineral stones aren't good for them & it's best not to give extra vitamins as most hamster mixes will already have vitamins added & they can end up getting too much of some things which can be harmful.
If it is diet related hair loss usually responds well to a few extra flaxseeds & if needed evening primrose oil & sometimes a little brewers yeast can help too.
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Old 01-15-2019, 03:34 PM   #4
WeezyBee
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Default Re: Is my syrian hamster losing hair?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cypher View Post
What kind of wheel do you have & what size is it? It sounds as though he could possibly be rubbing against the spindle in the wheel?
It could be he's rubbing against something else in the cage too, it's always a good idea to check things from time to time to make sure nothing has rough edges that could be a problem.
His wheel is 8 inches. I checked around the cage and his Kaytee Potty had sharp edges on the entrance. He must've chewed on it. I removed the cover anyways but it might not be the cause of his hair loss because the bottom part is sharp and his hair loss is on the top of his head and a bit on the back. When he runs on his wheel his back doesn't touch the spindle either, but I'll see again tonight if he just grew a bit bigger. I'll be buying flaxseeds! Do you know any other snacks I could give him to protect his fur? And how much do I give him every day?
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Old 01-15-2019, 05:06 PM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Is my syrian hamster losing hair?

I just give a "pinch" of flax seeds on a separate dish to our hammy's main food mix (he has his veg on the separate dish too) - keeps life interesting. ie what you can pinch between your finger and thumb. Hammy's seem to really like them (also called Linseeds). I believe the brown ones are better. Since giving them to our Syrian his coat is gorgeous and thick and soft - I put a few out daily.

I don't know much about long haired hamsters but it could be that they moult a bit on occasion - although if it's on the back it is common for it to be wheel rub.

Our hammy got very mangy last summer with some hair loss - but it seemed to be the very hot weather causing a bit of a moult as all normal now.

It might be an idea to get a bigger wheel whether it is that or not - they run much better in an 11" or 12" wheel and less chance of rubbing. Plus long haired hamsters are bulkier with all that hair.

If you're in the US, Exotic nutrition sells the 12" silent runner which is a brilliant wheel. If that's too tall for your cage, they also sell the 11" wodent wheel.

This is a photo of a long haired hamster in an 8" and an 11" wheel - it's supposed to be for demonstrating they need a larger wheel to run with a straight back, although some depends on the size of the hamster.

Actually I can't post the photo yet - I'm on the wrong computer!
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