my hamster is a picky eater, help!

cydniey · 04-10-2006, 12:18 PM

He stopped eating any feed mix except sunflower seeds, so we tried puppy chow, which he ate for a while, and now he will only eat fresh veggies and his seed stick. Though again, he picks out the sunflower seeds and discards the rest. He is getting to be skin and bones and I don't know what to do. he will eat, he isn't ill, he's just very picky, and he's getting really thin, so I know he isn't eating enough. Any ideas or advice on how to fatten him up? I've read this topic and I'm going to try the Harry Hamster mix, and go back to feeding him puppy treats. I'm just at my wits end. thank you in advance.

lizzer · 04-10-2006, 01:55 PM

In a circumstance where a hamster is losing weight like this I would strongly suggest the Harry Hamster (which is Hazel Hamster here in the US) and the fresh veggies, but also adding protein. Things like boiled or scrambled eggs, tofu, soy nuts, cottage cheese, low-fat mozzarella cheese and meat-type baby foods like chicken, beef and turkey. I also give my hams bits of cooked chicken. These are all things that are given to sick hams (diabetics for example) and nursing mothers, both needing the extra nutrition. A lot of people don't know that hamsters are omnivores. My hams are especially fond of all these foods.

Secondly, if he's really not eating much there might be another cause. He may have an illness or infection. Most of the time when a hamster stops eating or eats very little, it's the first indication of illness. It might be a good idea to get him in to see a vet.

How is his water intake and urine output? How old is he? Is he active and uses his wheel?

cydniey · 04-10-2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzer

In a circumstance where a hamster is losing weight like this I would strongly suggest the Harry Hamster (which is Hazel Hamster here in the US) and the fresh veggies, but also adding protein. Things like boiled or scrambled eggs, tofu, soy nuts, cottage cheese, low-fat mozzarella cheese and meat-type baby foods like chicken, beef and turkey. I also give my hams bits of cooked chicken. These are all things that are given to sick hamsters (diabetics for example) and nursing mothers, both needing the extra nutrition. A lot of people don't know that hamsters are omnivores. My hams are especially fond of all these foods.

Secondly, if he's really not eating much there might be another cause. He may have an illness or infection. Most of the time when a hamster stops eating or eats very little, it's the first indication of illness. It might be a good idea to get him in to see a vet. How is his water intake and urine output? How old is he? Is he active and using his wheel?

He's recovering from an abrasion on his tummy. He hasn't seen a vet but I've talked to one several times to get training on cleaning and monitoring.

His urine and fecal output are normal, and all of his other habits are normal. He doesn't run his wheel because we've just moved him from a Crittertrail Revolution, in which the whole cage is a wheel, to a cage with a smaller wheel and he is still being cranky about it. I do have him out to clean him and let him run around in a protected area with supervision every day and his mood is great, he even lets me rub his belly again.

I'm going to the pet store to get him some Hazel Hamster and I will try giving him more protein. Thank you for your information and advice. =}

lizzer · 04-10-2006, 02:31 PM

Sorry to hear about his tummy abrasion.

But glad to hear he seems on the mend.

Although this is just my own opinion, I'm glad to hear you moved him out of the Revolution cage. I think they are bad news. Little feet and legs can get caught so easily.

One thing I'd like to mention, if you've moved him to a smaller cage with a smaller wheel it may be the reason he's not using it is that it's too small for him. A normal sized adult Syrian needs at the very least a 6.5 inch wheel to use comfortably. If he has to arch his back at all or be 'bendy' as I call it, the wheel is too small then. I've heard also that male hamsters have been hurt using wheels that are too small and cause their testicles to rub as they run.

If it's a wheel that came with the cage, most of the time they are too small or more suited for dwarf hamsters.

I use a 6.5 inch Silent Spinner for my smaller Syrians and an 8 inch Comfort Wheel and also Wodent Wheels for the others.

**babyboos** · 04-11-2006, 09:09 AM

I would definitely try a larger wheel and the addition of baby food to his diet. Poor lamb hasn't had a great time recently. I hope his abrassion is healing nicely.

cydniey · 04-11-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyboos

I would definitely try a larger wheel and the addition of baby food to his diet. Poor lamb hasn't had a great time recently. I hope his abrasion is healing nicely.

oh it is healing well. Originally it was all over his belly (breakdown of the Crittertrail Revolution is blamed for that) with one sore the size of a dime but not very deep at all. That is one tenth of the size now and the fur has grown back on his belly completely. I feel so wretched for letting that happen.

I got him new seed mix last night and some dog treats, he ate heartily all night, though a month ago, before the injury, he was off seed mix completely.

I'll try the baby food, if he doesn't like it, I have a cat who will sell her soul for it. =}

thank you so much for your help and advice.