How to help my hams home - hammy has missing leg.

Mezmic · 08-12-2019, 06:51 PM

Hello im Mez, I got a hamster from my coworker back in October of last year she said she was about 6 months at the time so shes ruffly around 1 year and 4 months as of now. For the first few months of having her she would never come out of her nest, when I was finally able to gain her trust ( tho she still doesn't like being held) I noticed she only has 3 legs it looks as if she never had a right leg. Ive never owned a hamster with a limb missing so i would greatly appreciate any advice to help her feel safer and comfortable.

Ria P · 08-13-2019, 02:56 PM

Hello and welcome!

That's weird though. Did your coworker not tell you that she only had three legs? Not that it matters. She's cute and looks comfortable in there.
Does she have a stump or what does the area where her leg should be look like?
As long as she doesn't have an open wound, is in no pain and gets about ok there shouldn't be any need to help her. Just let her be a normal hamster.
Can she run on her wheel alright?
Last question, sorry. Does your hamster live in a fish tank? I'm only asking because i'm looking for a fish tank to make into a hamster home myself.

10Minutes · 08-13-2019, 07:37 PM

Awww! She is so chubby (I like it) and adorable! Yeah, I agree with Ria that you might want to check on whether she can use her wheel without discomfort, and I'm also wondering if she can use the tubes in your first photo.

Otherwise, there shouldn't be any need to help her. Your existing set-up looks nice enough for her.

Mezmic · 08-14-2019, 06:14 PM

Thank you both for your replies. I've only ever seen her use her wheel once and it seemed like she could move it fine and run on it comfortably but she hasn't used it much, in fact she rarely goes to the other side of her tank at all. She's currently in a 40 gallon tank but will only us half of it, not wanting to go far from her tubs. I did end up taking the top tube off from fear of her falling tho she was able to get up and down it i just didn't want to risk it. It's strange looking at where her leg should be because there's nothing there at all it's fully curved in fur not even a scar as if she was born with out it. (My coworker never noticed, not sure how) it can be sad to see her eat and drink, under her skin she'll move a little stump to try and grab food or her water bottle.

10Minutes · 08-15-2019, 04:21 AM

Aww, the poor little thing. Either she's not confident about the general open space, or she just finds it troublesome to walk. Just let her stick to to whatever she's more comfortable with.

Well I think normal set-ups are fine, just that I won't use tubes or platforms. Platforms may be used if you wanted to, but only as something that gives her some cover over her head, as long as there is no way for her to actually climb on them (so they only serve the purpose of covering some of the space above her, to make her feel safer and gain confidence as she travels across the cage, if she wants to do so). It's okay, I'm sure having an owner like you that cares for her more than makes up for it. You are really sweet and she's fortunate to have you.