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Old 06-11-2016, 03:59 AM   #1
EnerHam
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Question Runt care

I'm adopting a runt in a couple of weeks. She's around 7 weeks old and half the size of her siblings. I haven't seen her (not sure if she is a she) yet, but I've been told she eats normally but is very shaky on her legs.

I posted a question in the housing section about what kind of cage/toys to get her, and I've been doing some research into her care. I'm aware of the fact I should incorporate more protein into her diet via things like scrambled eggs and mealworms, and her shakiness means that platforms/climbing on tall things is out of the question at least until she gets stronger.

Is there any extra information runt owners can give me? I'm pretty well versed in hamster care (I've had eight, two of which are with me at the moment), but this is a new one for me.

For example, I've seen suggestions around the forum about limiting access to the wheel (if she can even use it) and differing answers on the chance of her reaching a normal size/ the kinds of health issues she may face as she grows (if she survives).
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Old 06-11-2016, 04:22 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Runt care

I would see how she goes and set the cage up with lots of ground level toys like tunnels and hidey places. She may gain in confidence as she grows. I'm not sure about not limiting access to a wheel - I think most hamsters like using a wheel. One that spins easily might be good though. The new Silent Runner in the 9" size might be good for her if she is small. It's a very stable wheel with a metal stand and nowhere to get trapped. It spins really well and easily and is also silent The main thing is when taking it apart and putting it back together you make sure the front and back are pressed firmly onto the running track, so there is no gap at the joining strip. It's a fiddle the first time then after that it's quick and easy and a piece of cake I have the 12" one for our large Syrian and it's the best wheel I've ever had! They also have no spindle and large entrance holes so they're easy to just give a wipe round inside without dismantling every time.

Silent Runner 9"

Some people are using the 9" one for dwarf hammies because it's light and spins easily.

I'll wait and see what others say about wheel usage for a runt, but I would think they would need one sometimes.

You'd need to think about toy safety maybe if she's a bit wobbly or not very strong. One of our Syrian's favourite toys is this hyacinth tunnel in the small size. It's nice and soft with no scratchy bits, it's also safe to chew (and he likes having a chew of it) and likes the little side holes to go in and out of.

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Boredom_Bre...tunnel&sct_r=1

These are also good - they can chew the dried carrot off the top or chew the cardboard with the hay stuck on. Or just use it as a hidey place. There is no nasty stuff used - the hay is stuck on with vegetable starch and I haven't noticed any sharp bits with them although I pull the odd stray bit off that goes across the doorway. Small size again

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Naturals_Ca...nimals/c17273/

Our Syrian also likes this round coconut hut - it's good quality inside I've found, not rough and scratchy and the entrance hole is big enough for a Syrian. Again I pulled the odd stray hairy bit off the outside

HAPPYPET SMALL ANIMAL HAMSTER GERBIL COCONUT HUT NATURAL CAGE HIDE HOUSE 31021 | eBay

Maybe stick to softer type things - even bendy bridges can have spiky bits on and gaps between the logs. The rainbow bridge is safe and popular

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Boredom_Bre...bridge&sct_r=1

And lots and lots of deep substrate and cardboard toilet rolls I guess - and a nice dark house to sleep in. Erin's hamsters 10 toilet roll toys video has lots of ideas for toilet rolls!

Last edited by Pebbles82; 06-11-2016 at 04:31 AM.
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Old 06-11-2016, 07:16 AM   #3
EnerHam
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Default Re: Runt care

Thank you so much! All of those things look awesome, and that wheel is going to be particularly useful. 9 inches sounds perfect. Erinsanimals' videos are great. I think I've seen the one you mentioned before, I'll go back and refresh my memory.
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Old 06-11-2016, 08:25 AM   #4
freyashamsters
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Default Re: Runt care

9" would be ideal - 8" is good too but she may grow out of that more quickly

I agree with about everything Serendipidity said there - I also think you could use the Boredom Breaker Sleep 'n' Play Cheese toy for her. They're not generally recommended for Syrians as some larger hams have got stuck in the holes as they are a tad too small but would be perfect for your little girl: https://www.viovet.co.uk/Boredom_Bre...cheese&sct_r=1
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Old 06-12-2016, 12:35 AM   #5
EnerHam
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Default Re: Runt care

Thanks, freyashamsters. Judging by the size of her that should work well.
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Old 06-13-2016, 08:39 AM   #6
WinnieTheHam
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Default Re: Runt care

I think most syrian toys would be fine, but like you said don't use platforms or things she could fall from. Maybe later in life if she gains strength and no longer wobbles you could get her some platforms but for now I wouldn't.

Depending on how wobbly she actually is, I don't think she should have constant access to one, in replacement to a wheel she could have a lot of play pen time - she can run on a flat surface then. I like the playpen to be bigger than their cage, so they have more length to run. Make sure she has lots of hiding places and toys in there for her so she can hide if she wants

Some runts live long lives, but some don't. There no real way of knowing how long they will live, but they will always be on the small side and may be prone to health problems. Just try enjoy your time with her as much as you can
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