Possibly sick hamster?

[born2read7]

My robo dwarf hamster was housed with another dwarf hamster but after some fighting we decided it was best to separate them.

At the time of separation, about two and a half weeks ago the injured hamsters poop was a lighter color and a lot softer. We thought maybe he was having trouble getting to his food and water because of the fighting. However, since being in his new home he's been eating and drinking regularly. I even check his water bottle daily to make sure it's still working. Still, his poop is the same odd color and still mushy.

Causes? Solutions? Should I be taking him to the vet?

Thanks, in advance for any and all advice.

[born2read7]

Side note: He doesn't have wet tail, so I didn't think it was diarrhea, but I know I could be wrong.
They haven't had any apples (the only fruit I've given them) in about a month, and the other hamster is fine.

[Esmy]

Were they both Robos? I don't have anything to offer about the health but I hope he gets better soon!

[born2read7]

Yes, they're both robos. And thanks! Starting to worry, was hoping taking him out of a stressful environment would help.

[racinghamster]

Hi. It`s difficult to say what could be causing his poo to be soft unless he has been eating veg too often or his tummy has been upset my something. A small piece of apple is beneficial and shouldn`t cause any gut issues. What dry food is he on at the moment?

Is he otherwisee fine, a good weight, active and not acting `off`? A vet would possibly prescribe Baytril but unless you feel he actually has an infection, I would look at keeping him on a dry diet, add some plain dry porridge oats (a small teaspoonful) and se how he is over the next 48 hours. But if his behaviour isn`t that of an active, fun loving robo, then perhaps seeing the vet might be worthwhile. Just bare in mind that robos are very jumpy and can require careful handling at vets as many end up on the floor due to incompetent handling or disregard.

You definitely did the right thing keeping them both apart. He may just be feeling a little stressed by the move, so something else to bare in mind. x

[born2read7]

He hasn't had any fruits in a while, he's on the brand by PetSmart- All Living Things Hamster and Gerbil Daily Diet food. My other hamster eats the same and he's just fine.

He's been his usual self, he stays hidden during the day and is a little antisocial but he's been that way since we got him. But at night I hear him running on his wheel so he's definitely still active and his fur looks healthy. I'll try the oats and see if that works. Thanks so much.

[racinghamster]

It could be that he will settle again once he`s had time to adjust to living on his own. He sounds pretty much active and his daytime hiding/sleeping would be normal anyway apart from coming out to drink or eat. My older male robo isn`t social either and is cage territorial, but It`s his domain so I can`t blame him!

The porridge oats sprinkled into his food are good fibre source. Robo poos are very small so if he has a sand bath, he may use this as a toileting area where you can check this.