A bit of advice needed

[cypher]

He does look quite hunched in those photos, it's possible he was born with a slight deformity of some sort that could cause that which isn't necessarily a problem if he's managing ok, it doesn't really sound as though he's sick from his behaviour but I can't say one way or the other tbh.
Sorry I can't be more help.

[Heather]

Thanks for your reply . He does get about fine and he is quick compared to my syrian, but compared to the other roborovskis he's slow. He's just had some food and drink and a little potter about, I guess that's a good thing!

[racinghamster]

Hi Heather. There is a chance that he`s smaller due to a genetic defect as white roborovskis can have issues like spinning and being small. I know nothing about breeding or hamster genetics but have read about this. If he`s eating and holding his own in the group, I would let them all carry on unless you see real trouble going on that is constant. Were these all from the same litter when you bought them? From the same mother, I mean?

Are his eyes every wide open like little black pearls? Or does he always half squint like this even when playing? If he does, he there may be something underlying going on, but your keeping a close eye on him which is what matters. he`s adorable. x

[Heather]

What's spinning? I was told they're from the same litter yes.

I have seen his eyes wide open but the past few days they've always been squinty. What kind of things should I be looking out for?

I actually spotted him clinging to a hanging toy before, he seemed quite happy chewing away, but he did fall on his back..then he climed right back up. I've taken the toy out now because I'm worried he'll hurt himself (or maybe he has already).

[Heather]

I think you can see even here he has a bit of an arch to his back and his eyes aren't fully open

[cypher]

Spinning is a neurological disorder where they do exactly that, spin Heather.
I can see from your photos that his eyes don't look right, I can understand your concerns as he really doesn't look right or very well in any of them yet he seems to be behaving ok.
I don't think you can do much more than you are, monitor him & see how he goes, if you continue to be concerned you could get the vet to have a look but I'm not sure there's anything specifically wrong they could help with, could well be he's just a little runt who hasn't quite developed properly, he is an adorable little guy & I really hope he comes on ok.

[Thin Lizzy]

I agree with Cypher.
He's so beautiful!

[Heather]

Bad news I just heard squeaking and came in to find the three larger hamsters all on top of the little one. He has a cut on his little face and I've now separated him. I really feel like crying for him his so small and defenseless. Hopefully he will be ok now he's on his own. So now what should I do with the other three? I know three is a bad number, but I have no idea how to figure out who to separate :/

[cypher]

Sorry to hear that Heather, hopefully he'll do better on his own so maybe a good thing in the long run, hope his cut heals quickly though.
Three is a difficult number to keep, at this stage it might be better to just monitor their behaviour as closely as you can rather than guess which one to take out.
You haven't had them that long though so I think they would probably settle again pretty quick if you felt happier moving another one.
I'm sure it's very hard to tell as they're so small & speedy but if you want to take one out look for anything like being slightly smaller, slower or any signs of being picked on or chased by the other two.
Good luck!

[Thin Lizzy]

That's a shame and glad you've put him in his own place.
Like Cypher said, keep a close eye on the other 3.
Do you have enough cages to house them?