I Think little 'Chico' is dead...

Sillywabbit · 12-05-2005, 05:19 AM

Chico never came out for his hand feed last night, I gave him a little nudge as usual, (but as Jord is ill with a cold) so when Chico never got up I left him, put his nibble of cheese in his house etc, its always gone in the morning if I do this..

Cheese was still there! Oh I am in a panic now! I just gave him a nudge, I think he is dead... hes in the warm as always! I can't bring myself to pick him up ..his in his house/nest but by lifting his dish I can look in there... am sure he is dead...I have moved his house nearer the rad..but trying not to let Jordan know as he will be heartbroken, and as I said not well..Oh am so upset! I only touched Chico with one finger but he is cold and I think stiff...

Sorry don't want to upset anyone...

I text my other half, he said to leave him not say anything to Jord, and he will look at him when he gets home... I'm in a right state,and trying not to let Jordan know anything is wrong... crying my eyes out here...and poor Jordan he loves him so much..

I know they can go into a deep sleep, Joe will make sure he is dead..

Don't know what anyone can do, but wanted to tell someone... Oh my what have we done wrong? hes only a baby. phew! am praying his ok, will post as soon as I know anything...going to be a long day.. Oh dear little 'Chico' please be ok..

xxx

Emma · 12-05-2005, 07:08 AM

I am so sorry, sometimes our little ones can get ill very rapidly. Try and keep yourself calm - I think the best thing you can do is keep Chico warm until your OH comes home and can look at him properly.

I'm positive it's not anything that you've done - hamsters are very delicate creatures.

*hug* and for Jordan too.

Sillywabbit · 12-05-2005, 07:53 AM

Thanks Emma,

I feel so upset, just had another peek while Jordan was in the bath, still think /fear he is dead, feel so stupid and useless but I just can't pick him up! phew! ...yes will wait till Joe gets home, have put his house close to the rad, told Jord I'm having a tidy of his dressing top (that's where Chico's house is kept)... Oh dear what a nightmere, Jords not even held him yet!

Right had better get myself together on this, its harder as Chico is just a baby... I checked his water bottle was ok, knew it was as we change and test it every day! just keep trying to think whats happend... perhaps he was not well when we had him, do hope its not something I have or have not done... hes had nothing diff to eat etc... and Jord does not mess with him alone, (hes been very good like that) he thinks the world of Chico even has his photo on his phone... not helping myself or Chico am I... silly me, feel so sad though...this has really got to me!!! sniffing again..

thanks again Emma (((hugs))) xxx sorry to go on.. poor little Chico.. sigh

**babyboos** · 12-05-2005, 12:31 PM

Oh I am so sorry - please let us know as you as you have any news, it is best to let Jordan know as soon as you can too. I know you will reassure him it is nothing he did wrong, and it really and truly will not be - sadly new hamsters are susceptible to all sorts of illnesses and with such fast metabolisms go downhill very quick, plus heart defects and strokes are not uncommon in Syrian hamsters.

Sillywabbit · 12-05-2005, 01:07 PM

Thanks for replies, Very Sad to say little Chico has died...

all very upset and Jordan is just sitting in his bedroom holding Chicos Xmas present, have left him to his thoughts for a few mins..

will tell / show him what you have said. it helps to hope there was nothing we could have done ...

(((hugs)))) xxx

Emma · 12-05-2005, 02:15 PM

I have had this happen to me with a hamster I had only had 6 days, she showed no signs of being unwell prior to being found dead in her bed one evening, and I'm supposed to be trained to recognise these things! I am certain that it was nothing you did and that you couldn't have done anything about it. Poor Chico was probably just unlucky that he was born with something that meant he never had long with us, either a defect or just not strong enough.

I hope Jordan is ok, I remember losing my very first hamster when I was little, I'd had her over 2 years and I was distraught. I remember burying her in the garden with my dad and making a little gravestone for her, perhaps you could help Jordan do something similar for little Chico.

**babyboos** · 12-05-2005, 02:19 PM

there is mixed opinion on this but sillywabbit I would thoroughly clean Chico's enclosure and get another hammy as soon as you can - see if you can find another home bred hammster - only this time make sure it is one that has been well handled if you can. Jordan will benefit from fixing his attention on a new little friend and especially one who lets him hold him.

Emma · 12-05-2005, 02:27 PM

I don't think thats a bad idea, getting a new hamster soon (after thoroughly cleaning the cage). It will stop Jordan worrying as he'll be taken up with the new ham.

Last time I lost a precious hamster I actually went right out the same day and got some new pets (the robos Merry & Pippin I have now) - as I knew it would take my mind off losing Mitzi. I had been planning to get robs for a while and I couldn't bear to have an empty flat as I had no other animals at the time.

nooboo · 12-05-2005, 02:34 PM

i would agree too with getting a new hamster quickly. Do not blame yourself or let your son blame himself for the death, these things dho unfortunately happen.

If you are anywhere near manchester I would happilly let you have one of my babies wvhen I feel they are tame onugh, but I bet you l/ive far away.

SnuggleHam · 12-05-2005, 02:37 PM

Hello Sillywabbit, Im so sorry to hear about your hamster. Like Emma I had a hamster that passed away, not long after I brought it home. I probably wouldnt have gotten another syrian, but then I was blessed with my little Gerald (In the Avatar *wink*) Im glad for it though and I dont think its a bad idea to get another soon, but as Emma stated, clean the cage really well first!