Newbie help

Madamrose · 03-16-2022, 09:46 AM

Help please don’t judge I’ve had this hamster an hour having rescued it!

I’ve picked this hamster up from awful conditions - he had electronics wire in his cage, the cage stinks of smoke and has been chewed to pieces due to bordem a I’m replacing tomorrrow(earliest opportunity)
I’ve added a few picture and would like to know a few things. Is the area circled likely to be an injury (I’m thinking potential cigarette burn but hoping I’m wrong). Also does his colour variation have a certain name?
Also any overall tips to ensure he has a happy and healthy life now he’s been rescued. Thanks

***Disclaimer I’ve had the hamster an hour having rescued it from awful conditions so please only comment if you have something helpful to add***

Amethyst_ice · 03-17-2022, 04:32 PM

Hello and welcome

Hopefully his story will be much happier from now

The dark mark looks likely to be his scent mark, they have them either side and can look quite greasy.

Ria P · 03-18-2022, 01:23 AM

Hello and welcome to HC!

I don't understand why you are worried about negative comments. I'd like to congratulate you on rescuing this hamster.

The scent marks of a male Syrian hamster can be quite pronounced and often look like round bold patches. I'd pick him up and check the skin to be on the safe side. You can use a flannel if he's nervous.

I'd source a cage of 80cmx50cm if you can, a 28cm wheel like the Trixie wheel (Amazon, package pets), if you are in the UK then you can buy the giant Savic Roly wheel at a petsathome, paper based substrate like Kaytee or Carefresh, a guinea pig sized house or shoe box cardboard house, food like Harry Hamster, bowls, bottle, hides, tubes, sand etc. If you can't buy everything at once then you can improvise with clean Pringle tubes for tunnels, a mug or flower pot as a hide, various kitchen and household items can be used and cardboard gives endless scope.

Mainthing is that this hamster is safe now. Soon his ears will be up and you can watch him blossom. All thanks to you.

Charlie Dunn · 03-18-2022, 01:30 AM

Well done on rescuing this poor wee ham. I agree those look like his scent glands and they can at times look wet. I hope that he soon settles into his new home and enjoys his new life being properly cared for x

cloudy · 03-18-2022, 02:19 AM

Hello MadamRose. Welcome to the forum. Thank you so much for rescuing this adorable hamster. It is wonderful to know he will be safe and loved with you now.

Madamrose · 03-18-2022, 11:23 AM

Thanks, he seems to have settled in well he’s eating well and is nice and active at night. Next job is to slowly get him use to me so he wants to be handled.

cloudy · 03-18-2022, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madamrose

Thanks, he seems to have settled in well he’s eating well and is nice and active at night. Next job is to slowly get him use to me so he wants to be handled.

That is such a good sign. Thank you for the update.

Pebbles82 · 03-18-2022, 01:32 PM

Hello and welcome

Yes his scent glands - all syrians have them so nothing abnormal there.

Which country are you in? Can't see the cage properly but he will need a bigger cage, 4 to 6" of substrate, a good sized house/nesting box that's dark inside, and a 28" wheel. Then he'll have a lovely life and home!

Great news that he is taking to you and seems quite tame. Do you know how old he is?

If you do move him to another cage, post on here first as there's a way of doing it without causing them stress (they can get very stressed by changes of environment or cage change but it's fine if done properly - and usually they appreciate an upgrade).