Unwell hammy?

[Kareliz72]

Hiya,
I've just recently joined this forum but I've just noticed that my "Timmy" isn't behaving as he has done. He usually loves his ball but now when he gets into it, he just sits/lies down inside. He perks up when I put him in my lap and in the run. When I put him back in his cage he went and laid down flat.
Also I've noticed that he isn't eating much and not pooing hardly any. He has a good diet of pellets but I wondered if he is constipated or/and has a slight tummy ache.
Any advice please?

[cypher]

It does sound as though he’s unwell, it is possible he could have become constipated, if he doesn’t improve very soon I would get him checked out by your vet just to be sure what’s going on.
A pellet diet isn’t really suitable for a ham as they need plenty of variety in their diet, food should be enrichment as well as just basic nutrition.
Does he have fresh veg at all? Veg need to be introduced slowly but once they’re used to it having some daily is really good for them.
Is he drinking ok, water bottle working properly? Keep a check on that too.

[Kareliz72]

Originally Posted by cypher

It does sound as though he’s unwell, it is possible he could have become constipated, if he doesn’t improve very soon I would get him checked out by your vet just to be sure what’s going on.
A pellet diet isn’t really suitable for a ham as they need plenty of variety in their diet, food should be enrichment as well as just basic nutrition.
Does he have fresh veg at all? Veg need to be introduced slowly but once they’re used to it having some daily is really good for them.
Is he drinking ok, water bottle working properly? Keep a check on that too.

Hi,
He seems lively enough especially when he's climbing all over me , and has done some poo's over the last few hours. So I am wondering if he is just going through a phase. I do give him a lot of fresh veg as well as the nuggets/pellets and some of the hamster mix (sunflower seeds, cornflakes etc). He's also very responsive too. I will keep an eye on him and if no improvement take him to my vets.
Thanks

[Ria P]

I would bin the ball but then again, i would say that because i dislike them so much. Hamsters can't see out or smell anything and there's so little ventilation it must get very stuffy and uncomfortable in there. Maybe he's trying to tell you something.
If he's happy in the run and on your lap then i would stick to that and let him enjoy it.

[Kareliz72]

Thanks to all, he is eating, drinking and poo-ing again. He just goes odd and wont come out of his cage from time to time, and runs to hide. I personally think he is going through some strange phase and will get over it. He did this when I first got him and then started coming out again. But he's much better than he was so I know he is not drastically ill. I've bought him some more toys to enjoy in and out of his cage so it might perk him up a bit.

[Kareliz72]

Update on Timmy, still acting weird - lying down flat on stomach on or side in cage, he seems to be breathing very strangely too. Got Vet's appointment later so hopefully will get some answers one way or another. Can't bear watching my little hammy like this.