Very weird noise from Skittle last night

[Angie B]

and I'm not sure why. I can't even describe it really. It was kinda like a sneeze, but not. I've heard dogs and cats - and even rabbits - sneeze, but never a hamster though thought it would be similar. It's like a sneeze, a quick "zzz" but also sounds like when he scrapes the inside of his tubes with his teeth (cue nails down a blackboard type noise). He was acting normally; drinking (though a lot I thought last night; had about 3 long drinks from his bottle, bubbles were rising so he was getting water), getting his pellets from his bowl, making his bed then dozing before getting up again. He also had bright clear eyes, alert upright ears and no apparent discharge from his nose. He'd been in his hammy ball for about an hour prior and when I get him out of said ball, I gave him his usual treat of a raisin (he actively looks for his raisin when he gets out as he gets one every night!), and I gave him a pea (he loves peas) which he ate there and then and 2 sweetcorn, which he pouched. I then put him in his cage and he'd only been in his cage about 5 minutes when he made the noise. Made me jump! Also made me go hot (literally) through concern. So far today he's been in bed and no noises as yet. I was wondering if he could have perhaps snuffled up some dust or an irritant which gave him a tickle in his nose, like we get and can't stop sneezing, because he made this noise 4 or 5 times and it was pretty loud for such a tiny critter. I couldn't catch it on a video because it wasn't constant.

I'm quite fond of the little fur-ball so am concerned about him. If he keeps making the noise then off to the vet we go, but I was wondering if it's a normal noise maybe?

He's a Syrian, good weight (198g last week), about 11 months old we reckon.

Sorry for the long post but I needed to know if anyone else has heard weird noises from their Syrians and what they did, if anything. Thank you.

[Angie B]

Well as no-one has replied I'm taking him to the vet in the morning (no appointments left for today other than emergencies). He made the same squeaking noise last night and spun around in a clockwise direction and also squeaked when he had to wriggle through his tunnel as it was slightly blocked by bedding. It's not right so he's off to the vet as the vet will have more confidence and know how much pressure to put on to feel for lumps and bumps.

[Rempanda]

Hi Angie, sorry I've just seen your post!
Skittle is prob fine but it never hurts to take a visit to the vets. My hammies make weird noises, my syrian in particular. She's always done it, she's just a very vocal hammy.
Some may make more noise if they're stressed, like my dwarf always croaks when stressed.
He may just want attention, that's when my syrian is most noisy, when she wants out for cuddles.
Hope everything's ok <3

[Angie B]

Thank you for replying Rempanda, much appreciated. It's just weird that when he does make this noise, he spins around in a clockwise direction with his right rear leg sticking out slightly and kinda looking at his right hand side and that when he has to wriggle through a tighter gap he does it then too. That's what's leading me to believe he's possibly hurt himself somehow. He didn't do it so much last night, so we'll see what tonight brings. He only started it on Thursday so it's not like he's done it since we've had him, which was May last year. If he's silent tonight then I may consider cancelling the vet appointment - can always re-book if he starts it again.

[Bec]

Just seen this thread, how's skittle doing?

I know Syrians can be vocal, our syrian Neptune makes noises when he's asleep, which when you hear for the first time can be alarming. Chattering when he's happy but also when he wants to be left alone.

Not sure what is means if he's spinning whilst making the noise though. What kind of substrate do you use in his cage too?

I also say if its a concern then check him out. Given his eating and other behaviour seems normal don't think there is need for concern. Maybe others can advise further on this.

Hope this helps

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi AngieB,
I've heard that the spinning could be something to do with their inner ear which can affect the balance.
Only the vet will be able to tell you. But it can be treated with antibiotics.
Let us know how you get on at the vet with Skittle.

[Angie B]

Bec, his substrate is Carefresh and it's not deep, just enough for him to make his beds (plural!) with and put some in his tunnels too as he sleeps in those as well.

Thin Lizzy; thanks for that info, I'll ask the vet to check his ears tomorrow. He's only spinning for a few seconds/circles though and then he's fine, absolutely fine, whereas I've gone hot and am worried sick! I'll let you know what the vet says tomorrow

[Kimberly]

My hamster, Loaf, makes a sound like that when he wants attention. But, the sound plus the movement you described makes me think otherwise. I would go to the vet, just to be on the safe side.

[Thin Lizzy]

How did it go at the vet?

[Angie B]

Hi, Skittle I think is now okay as he was as silent as a ghost last night; no squeaking, no circling, just his normal self. He even had to wriggle through his tunnel at a U bendy bit and whereas he squeaked both on Thursday and Friday nights, he didn't last night. Therefore I rang the vet and cancelled the appointment - but will re-make it if he starts with the noises again. Fingers crossed he's silent again tonight. I'm wondering if he'd bumped himself on something in his cage and maybe just got a tender spot or something like that - or even got some food stuck but it's now free. Anyway, will keep a close eye on him when he wakes earlier and will take it from there. I won't hesitate to make and keep another appointment if he starts with the squeals and circles again though.

Thank you for your replies and advice; much appreciated