Sniffing/Sneezing

[KLJ]

I have had my baby Syrian now for a week (she is now 7 weeks old) and I have noticed recently that when she comes out at night I can hear her sniffing around/sneezing. I have had hamsters in the past and never heard this before.

I know the lady I had her off kept her on Megazorb, and I have her bedded on shavings. Do you think possibly it is the dust off the shaving that is causing it, or whether it may be something health wise I need to investigate? She is perfectly happy in herself and doesn't show any signs of illness.

I have been thinking of changing from shavings, but what other things could I use instead of megazorb.

[racinghamster]

Hi. Wood shavings can be hit or miss. Personally, the Pets At Home shavings are very good (the NON scented shavings, never buy the scented ones). Shavings should be removed from their packaging and kept in an open storage bin and given a good shake about before use. Shavings shouldn`t cause more issues than Carefresh or Megazorb, both of which have been known to cause issues as they too can be dusty and smell!

Make sure your hamsters sleeping area is a large box like a shoe box turned upside down with two exit/entry doors cut into it and not a small plastic stuffy area. Sniffling and sneezing could well be signs of allergy or ventilation issues if the hamster is sleeping in too confined a space and breathing in phenols from the shavings.

The cage should also be large as Syrians require at least 80cm x 45cm floor area. Especially as they grow larger. Hope this helps in the meantime, but if you can give more information about your cage and the type/brand of shavings you are currently using, this would help. x