The Great Syrian Weigh-In! Week 6 Update

[Holly]

I suspect Charlie is smaller because he was hand-reared, Jane - he always looks healthy and happy - as you say that's the most important thing

Well done, Gus - seems the diet plan is working for your guys.

I believe in wheels as well but I'd consider limiting wheel time for very young hamsters who develop a bit of a wheel obsession - for example, taking it away when I go to bed and putting it back the next day so they get a few hours on it in the evening but can't run all night. I know not everyone agrees with me but I think some of these youngsters can run themselves to exhaustion and it does interfere with their growth. I don't think it makes much difference once they are past the main growing age.

[Jane]

Originally Posted by Holly

I believe in wheels as well but I'd consider limiting wheel time for very young hamsters who develop a bit of a wheel obsession - for example, taking it away when I go to bed and putting it back the next day so they get a few hours on it in the evening but can't run all night. I know not everyone agrees with me but I think some of these youngsters can run themselves to exhaustion and it does interfere with their growth. I don't think it makes much difference once they are past the main growing age.

I agree with you there too. When they are young, especially when they first get a wheel they can spend hours and hours running on them so I think when they're younger limited wheel time is acceptable.

What I meant earlier was that I don't think it's fair to take a wheel away from a hamster for a few weeks before a show just because of the show etc.

[Holly]

Originally Posted by Jane

What I meant earlier was that I don't think it's fair to take a wheel away from a hamster for a few weeks before a show just because of the show etc.

Absolutely not! It won't make any difference anyway if they are all grown up so it's pointless!

[pophammy]

As long as your ham is happy and healthy I don't think size really matters that much. Petshop hams are usually much smaller than breeder hams, but there is no need to worry otherwise. I don't think I would remove a ham's wheel unless it was doing it some obvious damage.

[Gust0o]

I don't think I would remove a ham's wheel unless it was doing it some obvious damage.

Agreed - and I think the real challenge is when to gauge that this might be the case.

Harry, whose recovery continues to amaze, has discovered boundless energy - helped by the fact that we're being a lot more savvy about his vitamin intake - which he continues to channel into his wheel, when we're not available to physically play with him.

I clocked him yesterday - he woke-up at six, and ran for about an hour, before coming out; he was back in his Gabber for quarter to eight, than ran intermittently, throughout the night.

At this juncture, I don't think it's damaging him - he's simply making the most of his opportunities and new-found confidence; his weight increased, despite his best efforts, and his coat has improved.

Also to be borne in mind is that he was a rescue with obvious behavioural problems - he's definitely here to recover, and enjoy his life, than be shown; he's very much a companion animal, which precludes some of the concerns which would arise for a show animal.

This being an echo of Jane's note, that happiness and well-being come first - most certainly; and their well-being contributes to mine, also, which is something I would never jeopardise

[Spuds Mum]

Wow those are some impressive weight gains Gus, and nice to hear they are enjoying their new diets.
We tend to limit wheel time only for growing pups who seem to have a real obsession with wheels, we have had some who literally run themselves to exhaustion. And they get extra out time and extra play things to compensate. You do find that as they mature they are less likely to overdo the wheel, and in fact some of mine very rarely use a wheel at all.

Just as an aside, our Vala used to have a silent spinner which she never used at all. Last night Arti decided to swap this for Bronte's wodent wheel, currently removed from Bronte because of her having the litter.

Vala went in it and spent about 5 minutes at a leisurely jog, before coming out and spending 15 mins munching on carrot and swede cubes with popcorn to finish! (plain popped corn without sugar/salt of course). I guess that we can safely say she isnt a wheel addict! She's the hamster equivalent of people who spend 15 mins at the gym before then buying fish and chips on the way home!

[Gust0o]

Wow those are some impressive weight gains Gus, and nice to hear they are enjoying their new diets

Many thanks - I think the challenge, now, is maintaining this growth, whilst maintaining health and activity levels.

I guess the real test will be Holmfirth, where you should be able to gauge for yourself

[Gust0o]

Right, second week in!

Week 3 commencing weights:

Bob - 180g (+15g)

Harry - 145g (+15g)

Hobbs - 130g (+15g)

Wes - 125g (+10g)

Harry's wheel use has now been restricted! Al noticed Harry was drinking disproportionately more water than the other Syrians.

This was giving him the appearance of gaining mass, only for it then to be worked-off in a short period, owing to his heavy wheel use. This has masked his real weight, and frustrated us a little.

He now has the wheel until 12pm - which, given his early waking, still gives him 5hrs in which to use it. His diet has been adjusted to match the other hamsters - Al had decided that he should have a cut-down version, with less Lactol, previously - and he's put on some real weight. Well done Harry!

The rest are growing very well - Bob and Wes both have amazing figures. Hobbs continues to look lean, however, despite weighing-in 15g heavier; I don't think he liked my porridge, but Al has now mastered his tastes

Wes should overtake him this week, by all accounts - she's not quite on Amelie's terms yet, but we're getting there

[Spuds Mum]

I weighed Topaz about 3 nights ago - 126g so she is matching her sister step for step!

Well done to all the sumo hams you are getting Gus and Al!

[Gust0o]

I weighed Topaz about 3 nights ago - 126g so she is matching her sister step for step!

Well, that's fantastic news - I had this nightmare image of going to Holmfirth, and Wes being half the size! I'd die of embarassment! I do feed them, honest!