Hamster screaming, need to see vet?

Moira · 08-09-2019, 05:29 AM

I have owned my hamster since March last year, her name is Moira after the hero in Overwatch and she's so special to me, she even has hetrochromia like Moira in overwatch and I named her before I even realised haha.

4 days ago my hamster appeared wet (her coat was a bit roughed up, I thought she had just rubbed herself against her water a few times like she had in the past, but this time it looked a lot worse) I took her out of the cage to clean her and I decided to smell her just incase and immediately realised it was urine. I had been keeping an eye on her since but it hasn't happened again.

That brings us to today, I am sitting here with my headset on playing Overwatch. My hamster is on a separate table which I keep next to me so if she wakes up. And suddenly I hear this extremely loud screeching sound, I immediately rushed to her aid and talk to her the way I usually do in attempt to calm her down so she knows I'm here while I gently take the tubes apart. I set her free from the tube and she is still screaming for about 30 seconds longer, I tried to pick her up to comfort her and she continued to scream then eventually it stopped.

I let her walk around for a bit then tried to touch her, she again began to squeal.

souffle · 08-09-2019, 06:07 AM

What sort of hamster is she and what type of cage is it? You mention tubes. Tubes are really not suitable for hammies as they will sleep and eat and pee in there. The condensation builds up and mould and bugs can grow in the tubes and give them skin and chest problems. This is likely why her coat is wet and smelly. If you feel she is ill then definitely see the vet for a check up. I'd remove all tubes and give her cardboard ones or cardboard boxes with holes cut in for now as these are good for them and you can ventilate them. Make sure the tube outlets are secure if you remove them. You can get end caps. Hope she is OK

Moira · 08-09-2019, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

What sort of hamster is she and what type of cage is it? You mention tubes. Tubes are really not suitable for hammies as they will sleep and eat and pee in there. The condensation builds up and mould and bugs can grow in the tubes and give them skin and chest problems. This is likely why her coat is wet and smelly. If you feel she is ill then definitely see the vet for a check up. I'd remove all tubes and give her cardboard ones or cardboard boxes with holes cut in for now as these are good for them and you can ventilate them. Make sure the tube outlets are secure if you remove them. You can get end caps. Hope she is OK

thank you for the reply. My mother took her to the vet and they said she is perfectly fine, so thankfully I worried for nothing. She's a syrian but really big, I never seen a hamster so big before like her lol.

She doesn't use her tubes as a toilet, but she does eat and sleep in them, and I noticed this condensation before. After your comment though, I have removed all the tubes and blocked the exits off, I feel pretty guilty doing it though.

Do you have a recommendation for a better cage for her I don't have much money so I'd need to save up, Nothing small though please she's big for a hamster thank you

I am from UK

LunaTheHamster1 · 08-09-2019, 06:48 AM

Was she screeching when she was asleep? If so it could have just been a nightmare and then if she hadn't fully come round from that and you were trying to take her out of the tubes that could be a reason why the screeching continued. i.e. a sleepy, scared hamster. Glad you took her to the vets though, always best to be on the safe side.

If she is a big syrian I would recommend any cage that is 100x50 cm, which I think is the savic plaza, alexander and barney (off the top of my head) all 3 quite expensive, but you can look out for sales and/or discount codes. Also check out gumtree, facebook marketplace or other 2nd hand websites for a used one. Although I very rarely see a 2nd hand savic plaza as it is a fairly new cage. The Alaska cage is a good cage and cheaper, but i think it is too small for a larger syrian, i know others may disagree, but this is just what I observed from my own personal experience.

Ria P · 08-09-2019, 07:06 AM

My 220g Syrian male hamster lives in the Alaska cage which is only £30-£35 with free delivery from zooplus.

Henry likes this cage but I've read that females often need more space.