Uh oh... mites?

Moon · 01-19-2011, 10:09 AM

Was filling up moomin's bowl last night when I noticed a tiny little white thing moving around on the platform of his mini duna tank.... he does seem to scratch a lot but I wasn't concerned so far as he didnt appear to have any fur loss or flaky skin... could this be the start of a mite infestation?

StarlightSerenity · 01-19-2011, 10:10 AM

I wouldnt have thought mites were visable to the naked eye. I expect it was just a random bug.

stellanova1 · 01-19-2011, 10:24 AM

I think they can be visible, there was a mouse with mites at my college and they were tiny but definately visible...think it would be best him checked at vet just incase

SarahJ · 01-19-2011, 10:27 AM

iw ud take him to the vets for a skin scrape and they will be able to tell u for sure
if not u can get mite n flea treatment from the vets its about £3 and u put 1 to 2 drops on the back of their neck - this depends on the hamsters weight thou x

Past_member_10071 · 01-19-2011, 10:43 AM

Hi Moon, You've probably already had a close look but if not, have a really good inspection of his fur and the skin underneath. Look for scabs or red skin due to scratching, any hair loss (and dandruff but you've already said he doesn't have any). I'd have a close inspection of his litter/bedding and also his food as well to check these aren't harboring bugs. If he scratches a lot perhaps a visit to the vets would be a good idea (could he just grooming or is it definately scratching?). I think I'd a keep a watchful eye for a little while before a vet visit. If its mites I think they're easy to treat though. Hope he's ok.

mangoandmimi · 01-19-2011, 11:10 AM

Mango had a few mites but i couldnt see them - he jsut had flaky skin lol. but i think he is mostly just a dry skined hamster

i just toook him to the vet, and they gave him some injections and now he's fine

Iluvhamsters · 01-19-2011, 02:16 PM

Another thing it could be is fodder mites, they are white and visiable to the naked eye. Check his food for them and have a good sniff of it too, as well as being able to see the mites they have a smell like honey, more so if you squash them. As far as I'm aware, they are not harmful if they get on to the hamster but do cause a little irritation. If there are mites in his food and you have bought it fairly recently, take it back to the shop and get it exchanged but make sure your new bag isn't contaminated either.