Hamster without one leg

NunoTaborda · 03-30-2016, 07:05 AM

Good afternoon, everyone. How are you?

I usually breed hamsters and give them to new owners, but right now I'm in doubt with one thing.

I'm in the need of one male to breed and I went to my local store.

I got there and the only male they have don't have half of one leg (it's the left one from the back). I'm guessing it is like that due to fighting with other hamsters...

I saw him and got to the conclusion that he can do everything just perfectly (including, running like hell from me, when trying to catch him inside the cage)

The only doubt I have... Can he breed? Will the female accept him as a "proper" male?

I'm going to take him... I'm afraid he will get even more injuries in that local store...

Best regards and thank you for everything.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-30-2016, 07:14 AM

What species are you breeding? And congrats!
If he doesn't turn out to be a good breeder, it's commendable that you rescued this guy. Are you sure it's not a birth defect though? That wouldn't be good! I'm sure you have a pretty good idea of whether it was from a fight or not? Any pics of this new guy? Did you name him yet?

NunoTaborda · 03-30-2016, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnamon Bear

What species are you breeding? And congrats!
If he doesn't turn out to be a good breeder, it's commendable that you rescued this guy. Are you sure it's not a birth defect though? That wouldn't be good! I'm sure you have a pretty good idea of whether it was from a fight or not? Any pics of this new guy? Did you name him yet?

Syrian hamster.

The store owner told me that he is sure is not a birth defect (I asked him that).

I'm going to get him tomorrow (didn't had a cage with me, today). He is just like the one in this image:

http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com/hams...pudding_01.jpg

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-30-2016, 08:50 AM

He's adorable! I wouldn't mate him though if you don't know for sure as the babies might have genetic problems! He's super cute!

NunoTaborda · 03-30-2016, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnamon Bear

He's adorable! I wouldn't mate him though if you don't know for sure as the babies might have genetic problems! He's super cute!

I believe in the store owner... I know him if for 3 years and he never lied to me before

But, maybe the hamster can't breed because of the back leg... It would be difficult for him, I guess

WinnieTheHam · 03-30-2016, 09:14 AM

What country are you from? I know people in the US breed from pet shop hams.. which really isn't great because there could be so many hidden problems. Have you tried looking for breeders near you? It's really worth getting a hamster from a breeder that has been keeping records and family history. They will definitely be healthier than those from pet shops.

It will possibly make him more at risk of injury if the female decides to turn on him. I think he will be able to mate fine, but I definitely wouldn't risk it. I'd ask for proof to be honest that it was an injury, ask them for the vet bills because he definitely wouldn't have survived without vet treatment. It could be a birth defect, I've heard of inbred hamsters missing limbs before. You don't want to be breeding from an inbred, it's too risky. How do you know this boy and your female aren't related?

Rsclio197 · 03-30-2016, 09:20 AM

The one in that image looks familiar doesn't he Winnie

.

Good on you for taking him home Nuno

WinnieTheHam · 03-30-2016, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsclio197

The one in that image looks familiar doesn't he Winnie

.

Haha, yeah! He's a black eyed cream like Abe

NunoTaborda · 03-30-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnieTheHam

What country are you from? I know people in the US breed from pet shop hams.. which really isn't great because there could be so many hidden problems. Have you tried looking for breeders near you? It's really worth getting a hamster from a breeder that has been keeping records and family history. They will definitely be healthier than those from pet shops.

It will possibly make him more at risk of injury if the female decides to turn on him. I think he will be able to mate fine, but I definitely wouldn't risk it. I'd ask for proof to be honest that it was an injury, ask them for the vet bills because he definitely wouldn't have survived without vet treatment. It could be a birth defect, I've heard of inbred hamsters missing limbs before. You don't want to be breeding from an inbred, it's too risky. How do you know this boy and your female aren't related?

I'm from Portugal.

Breeders with history are none here in the country I live.

Well... Got to say to you that the owner said it was in a fight and they treated the hamster... They have enough knowledge to take care of hamster when they are injured or sick...

The female is from another store I know

WinnieTheHam · 03-30-2016, 09:59 AM

How old is your female? and if you mate her will it be her first litter?

Are there no other males?

Maybe you could be the first breeder in portugal to start documenting their health and their family tree? It will take time of course