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Old 06-07-2018, 09:19 AM   #1
JanineP
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Question Disabled hamster

Hi,

I posted a thread a week ago to ask for help trying to identify why my hamster is dragging her back leg. Anyway I took her to the vet and it is a nerve damage that she will never recover from. She isnt in oain and runs around happily. The vet said dont use a wheel, which i think is a shame becuase she needs the exercise and no doubt she is bored once i go to bed.

I have a large trixie 28 inch wheel. I have observed her on it and she is slow and careful but seems to enjoy herself.

Does anyone else have a disabled hamster? Do you have a wheel for them? How do you ensure they get enough exercise and stimulated?

Never had a disabled hamster so help appreciated.

Thanks,

J
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Old 06-07-2018, 09:51 AM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

I think the problem with the wheel would be rubbing on the skin if she's dragging the back legs so even if she slow & careful she could still end up injuring herself so I can understand the reasoning behind not using one.
It does seem a shame but I think the best you can do is to give her lots of foraging opportunities to keep her busy in the cage, scatter feeding & hiding food in different places or in little boxes she has to chew at to get to it, that kind of thing will keep her occupied, chews like whimzees would probably help too if she doesn't already have them, other than that I would out of cage time would probably be the best way for her to get exercise.
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Old 06-07-2018, 09:53 AM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

Aw - they just keep trying to do things I'm just wondering if a flying saucer might be easier than a wheel as nothing to "trip up" on or get caught in. Really not sure though whether that would be a good idea with her condition as they kind of run at a slightly funny angle on a flying saucer.

I think my only concern about the Trixie wheel is she could trip - it has a bit of a lip . Wondering if an open wheel might be a kind of safer option. Although I don't know many open wheels that don't have a lip on the front except the rodipet one and they're really expensive.
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Old 06-07-2018, 10:07 AM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

This is the Rodipet wheel - I have the 21 cm version for our roborovski - the 27cm is better for a Syrian as you know. It is not cheap! What I like about it is it is completely open and no lip to trip over and nothing to get caught on. It is lined with cork which is nice and soft on their feet. I painted mine inside and out, including the cork, with plastikote, so it wipes clean and the surface is absolutely fine.

The stand is height adjustable so you could have it only mm above the substrate level for easy access so it's easy to get in and out of. It also comes off the stand and I have mine screwed to the bars with the nut at the back that usually holds it on the stand.

Just seen Cypher's post about it possibly rubbing her skin. Maybe the cork would be gentler to run on - but you'll be able to tell if her skin is getting rubbed or not at the moment maybe. It is an issue maybe - but I can see she needs to be active and have exercise. I guess if it became sore she would stop doing it. Shame she can't wear little trousers to protect her skin

I think the rodipet wheel would be better than a flying saucer. Otherwise, for exercise, it would just be lots of out of cage time and a playpen area or a safe area in the house (hallway with gaps blocked off?) she can run around in. Female hamsters do tend to be more needing exercise and active.

But even running around she could rub her skin so I would try the cork wheel - it's just a lot to spend if she has a problem later.

https://www.rodipet.de/shop/laufraed...frad-kork.html
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:42 AM   #5
JanineP
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I will definitely have a look at making her some foraging toys and try her on whimzees. I will get a play pen for her too. Woke up this morning and she has made a mess of her cage so she is keeping herself busy but I think having her out and about will be better.

I have another male hamster who acts a bit crazy when she is in the same room and starts bar biting and running around (both my hamsters live in large cages so there is no question of lack of space) so i moved her to the bedroom. Still no change, i think he knows she is here. I would like her in the lounge more.

Do you guys have more than one hamster and does the 'first bought' settle down eventually? it's been two weeks of a crazy manic male hamster. though he has become far more relaxed with me (like he actually sits still and doesn't get annoyed when i try and pick him up anymore) i'm guessing he is being territorial - or wants to get to her to mate?

Don't like the thought of him being stressed. I rescued the disabled one from two young girls who couldn't take care of her so in my hasty act of kindness i didn't consider the impact on the current male.
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:05 AM   #6
JanineP
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

just bought a cork wheel for her - will try her on that.
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:51 AM   #7
cypher
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Default Re: Disabled hamster

I don't keep syrians & haven't had a problem with multiple hams in one room but I have read other members saying that it can sometimes take a while for males & females in the same room to settle down & get used to the other ham, your male may continue to show some changes in behaviour when she's in heat but he should be ok the rest of the time once he's got used to her being there.

Hope the cork wheel will be ok for her & she can still enjoy a bit of exercise with it.
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hamster, wheel, disabled, exercise, vet, trixie, inch, observed, slow, large, jconfused, bed, careful, appreciated, bored, ensure, doubt, enjoy, stimulated, back, dragging, leg, nerve, identify, thread

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