Brownie our new tenant

Bbhami · 10-15-2015, 08:53 PM

We've picked up our latest tenant for the Ham Apartment to take over Louie's unit. He's only 4weeks old, the last baby from a gumtree post, probably because his colour is not as desirable as his sibs. I always end up with the unwanted babies

But oh well, they turn out to be the sweetest! I don't know much about WW colors so if any one would be kind to tell me what his colour is, it will be much appreciated!

He's been with us for 5days now, and I guess he got bitten by his siblings as I noticed he had a scab on his ear and bum. He's quite tame and friendly, he allows us to stroke him when he's eating and would gladly take food from our hands. This is my second time owning a WW, (the first was when I was young and knew nothing about them) so any tips would also be appreciated!

(I also don't know how to upload 5 photos at once, is it possible if i'm using the ipad?)

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kelza · 10-15-2015, 09:30 PM

Not positive but I think his color might be sapphire. I feel like the "unwanted ones" make the best companions! Congrats on the new addition!

**DrKMcK** · 10-15-2015, 09:41 PM

Oh, pretty baby! I'm lousy at colors, but I just wanted to congratulate you on the new addition. My Nutmeg was a little tattered when I got her. Probably fighting with siblings, but it never bothered her.

cypher · 10-15-2015, 10:22 PM

aww bless! An unwanted baby no more! Congrats on your new addition he looks really sweet & I'm sure he's going to be really happy with you.

If he's from a gumtree litter are you sure he's a WW or is he more likely to be a hybrid?
If he is a hybrid you will need to be a little careful with is diet as he will be more prone to diabetes.

Bbhami · 10-16-2015, 03:03 AM

I was thinking the same thing cypher, although he looks WW from the markings on his sides. Should I move his thread to hybrids instead? Right now he's on burgess dwarf mix which he finishes in a day, I'm pretty sure he will catch up with Bacon's weight sooner or later.

@kelza: thanks for the info on his color! I wasn't sure if he was normal or sapphire ause he's got a little yellow on his face. I'll try to take a better photo when he cooperates

@DrK: they can easily bounce back from physical wounds but these unwanted ones become closer to your heart because of their nature. Brownie is very friendly towards us, we were so surprised!

cypher · 10-16-2015, 05:13 AM

Hybrids can look more like WW or Campbells, I don't think it's possible to go by appearance alone tbh so probably a hybrid, the burgess dwarf mix is fine for him either way & he obviously likes it!

racinghamster · 10-16-2015, 08:02 AM

Pedigree hamsters usually come from show breeders who can produce evidence that their stock are just that. Pure, or the purest they can be to the true species. I`m pretty sure too that the genuine breeders are members of a hamster club rather than just being hobbyists who breed two hamsters and then can`t really prove their genes. Although I`m sure some hamsters that are said to be pure WW or pure Campbells won`t be unless their lineage has continued to be closely monitored down the years.

I would go with Hybrid to be on the safe side and stay away from sugary foods. Although they can have a small piece of apple a few times a week or a little broken off piece of dried banana. Being a baby hamster, he will appreciate higher protein like a few dry mealworms daily. x

Shannonmcn · 10-16-2015, 08:08 AM

I think his colouring is just perfect and he sounds like a lovely friendly little guy, maybe the best was saved for last

Penguin · 10-17-2015, 04:04 AM

Oh look at that! How cute isn't he!
To me he looks like a agouti/wild coloured hybrid. Though a bit dark which could either be the light or me being wrong.

I definitely want to see more of him! It happens that I have a young hybrid who is 'also' named Browney

different spelling but same name I guess haha.

I'll just drop a tiny picture of him which will be sideways as I'm on my phone

His fur is a bit off as he had been to the vet and given medication for mites the day before

Bbhami · 10-18-2015, 05:38 AM

@cypher & racinghamster: Thanks for your advice, I will be careful on giving him treats, or maybe just stick to veggie treats. It would be very rare if he's a pure WW as from what I know, even petshops in my area sell hybrids. I also don't think there's a reputable breeder focusing on WW here (I'm from Asia).

@Shannon: yup he's so friendly and always goes near the door during roll call. (I now do roll calls to check if anyone's sick or dead)

@Penguin: He looks grey with some bits of yellow. I actually thought of the name even before I got the ham and I was looking for a brown one, or the normal WW coloring as they say. Sadly there weren't any so I decided to just get this baby. So it's the same name intent but your Browney is more brown!