A Rescue Called Phoebe

NaomiR · 06-05-2008, 12:17 AM

I wanted to tell you all about a little girl who came to us yesterday. She was left (abandoned) in a flat after someone fell behind on rent and bills and simply did a runner. They left just over a month ago, Phoebe was only "discovered" last week.

The owners of the flat cleaned out her cage and have been feeding her but they were so worried about her they felt they couldn't cope any more.

So she is now here with us.

Phoebe is 6 months old and weighs just 93g.

She is so thin you can see her ribs and her spine, her head looks overly big so she looks like a little poorly alien.

Apart from being under nourished Phoebe is very well within herself she is happy (in fact eager) to come out for a fuss and loves being stroked and cuddled.

She has eaten her way through almost a whole jar of baby rice and stored a whole bowl full of dry hamster mix - after a busy night Phoebe is now snuggled up in her new home safe in the knowledge she is cared for, fed and watered and (most importantly) finally safe.

I will keep you updated on how she is over the next few weeks.

mollldoll · 06-05-2008, 12:40 AM

thats terrible, how can someone just leave here there - i really hope they feel guilty

What kind of hamster is she? It sounds like shes a little star despite all that abandonment

**Spuds Mum** · 06-05-2008, 01:25 AM

Oh I am so sure that she is in heaven right now!

I'm certain you will bring her round and in no time she will be a lovely rounded girl! well done you

Gust0o · 06-05-2008, 03:40 AM

Just a word of caution, which applies to all rescues - I know the temptation is to get food into them, particularly when they've been without, but it really needs to be moderated. Same as with people, when they've been starved, you need to gently wean them on to their new diet. The potential shock to the system is a real risk, otherwise.

I'm sure you know all this, mind

It sounds like she's a real character, and the positive is that her character is intact - it's such a shame to find rescues with behavioural problems, owing to their treatment

I look forward to seeing this young madam introduced, and hearing how she gets on

souffle · 06-05-2008, 04:51 AM

I am so glad you have her now. The future is bright for Phoebe now. She may stay small in stature but she sound big on personality. As gus said go gently with the food to allow the system to adjust. Maybe add the proC or Avipro to her water to help boost her system. I look forward to meeting her when she is settled and well. Best of luck with her.
I won't even speak about the people who abandoned her

NaomiR · 06-05-2008, 05:46 AM

you are (all) right with being careful not to now "over" feed as she's hoarded so much (which is good because it shows she still has her natural instincs) I've taken her food bowl out and she won't get any more baby rice until this evening.

I also need to keep an eye on exactly how much she is consumming so it's good to watch her eat

She has Avipro in her water but thank you for the suggestion. I just wanted to share her story and progress over the next few weeks, I'll take some "before" photos this evening, she is lovely.

Louby · 06-05-2008, 06:12 AM

Bless her little heart

. How some people can live without a conscience I will never know. Leaving her there to starve to death...Grrrr!!!!

Well done you for taking her in Naomi, you really are the rescuer of Kent aren't you? I bet the people at your work love you for taking in all of these poor little souls.

I would re-itterate what others have said...just be careful not to overload her with food and different types, as it may give her an upset tummy. Introduce new foods slowly, just incase

.

Yes please...PICCIES!!!!

Bunsey · 06-05-2008, 08:23 AM

oh thank goodness she has found you. poor darling.

sarahh · 06-05-2008, 09:13 AM

Oh poor little mite I am so glad she has finally come to people who will care for her properly poor little girl. Thats disgusting for getting about poor little phoebe if those people hadn't of found her she would have died. Glad they had the sense to bring her in when she could get cared for and get the tlc she needs. Food needs little and often you are doing the right thing. Good idea having that in her water.

Take care and keep us update

Sarah x

BatKat · 06-05-2008, 10:40 AM

People can be so cruel. Just because circumstances change does give people the right to dump the poor little defenceless Phoebe where she can't have any access to food or water. I'm sure she will have a lovely life with you and will be a joy as part of your family. Photos soon please but don't stress her in getting them as we can wait til she is settled in