Torn ear

sharonc · 06-09-2018, 12:59 PM

I've been looking at hamsters today and found a lovely long haired Syrian but noticed a rip in it's ear, apparently it could have been born like that or it's been fighting it also bit the pet shop owner but could this be it's just not tame or aggressive?

cypher · 06-09-2018, 01:06 PM

Tears in ears or small holes aren't uncommon in pet shop hams, most likely from sibling squabbles.
Biting the pet shop owner is most likely just a sign of stress or fear.

Drago · 06-09-2018, 06:20 PM

As Cypher said, it’s pretty common. I’ve had two hams now who have had torn ears. It’s perfectly normal, and there’s no special care needed for it.

As for the biting, it could be fear, lack of human interaction (needs taking), or stress. It could be a combination of all three as well. Try not to be hasty when choosing a ham

Take the time to see as many options as you can.

Best wishes!

sharonc · 06-10-2018, 12:50 AM

Thank you, I was unsure about it so I didn't buy it, I'm taking my time with this so going to look around a bit more. There's a local pet shop that gets their hamsters from a breeder so I'm going to try there.

Drago · 06-10-2018, 07:38 AM

That’s a good idea! It’s always best to buy from a breeder if you can

This helps to support a person who is dedicated to their hamsters, and the bettering of their species. Whenever you do get your new ham, share some pics if you can!

dreamtree1234 · 06-10-2018, 10:14 AM

Wishing you the best of luck in choosing the right ham for you. I look forward to discovering which one stole your heart and chose you as well. Have fun!

sharonc · 06-10-2018, 11:50 AM

Thank you, I will share when I finally get one. I have contacted some breeders which are 2 - 3 hours drive, if I have any luck do you think that is too long a journey for the new hamster will it be stressed?

Coco61 · 06-10-2018, 12:22 PM

That amount of time is not a problem so long as you are well prepared. A proper pet carrier will be needed. A good amount of substrate inside for the hamster to dig down for sleep. Since you cannot have water, a chunk of cucumber is the best substitute. Tear up some basic white toilet paper into strips in case the hamster want some to nest with this. Then you can transfer the strips into the cage for bedding. Perhaps a cardboard tube as a hiding place.
I had my hamster in his carrier for about 5 hours yesterday as I took him to a hamster show. He slept virtually all of the time except when the judge woke him up for judging time. He was still asleep when we came home and had to be woken up to go in his cage.

Drago · 06-10-2018, 02:20 PM

As Coco said, that time will be perfectly fine as long as you’re prepared for it. Do you know the name of the breeders you’ll be buying from?? There are actually some breeders that browse these forums!

sharonc · 06-10-2018, 02:39 PM

That's really useful, I'll see how I get on with the breeders, I have the breeders details and will see if I can find them here.