My young hamster died unexpectedly

[Dellaxx2]

For background, I've been owning hamsters for years but this hamster was the first I've done research prior to owning him. I've learned so much that I haven't. Here's the products I*used:

-Housing: I got a 50 gallon bin for him and even later attached another 50 gallon bin horizontally so there'd be more floor space. Still, he didn't seem satisfied. I read that Syrian hamsters and females in particular are very hard to please when it comes to cage size.*

-Bedding: Kaytee Clean and Cozy paper based bedding (not scented). I also want to note that when I spot cleaned his cage it seemed a bit dusty. Idk if it was the herbs or the bedding but that bedding is known to be one of the safest.*

-Sandbath: Reptisand.*

-Food: I scatter fed him Mazuri Rat and Mouse Pellets and Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend which I heard is the best combo. Sometimes I gave him treats but it was the more natural ones Petco started to sell, not the yogies or anything sugary.

-Herbs: Zen herbs from Small Pet Select and Rosewood Naturals.

-Hideouts: mostly cardboards, a grass hut, and a ceramic house.

-Accessories: 12 inch solid wheel. Cork logs and a grapevine wood branch.*

-Toys and chews: he didn't care for wooden chews even with some peanut butter so I gave him Whimzee chews, bamboo, Timothy sticks and sometimes applewood branches. Occasionally I used mineral candy chews.

I got him in a pet store back in October (bad idea, I know). He seemed healthy and energetic but a few weeks ago he was slowing down, not eating or coming out. I tried to warm him up with my body heat and sitting in a room with a heater. He didn't make it... I was devastated and did my best to comfort him before he passed.

What was odd is that before he did he seemed to be gasping for air through his mouth. I took a video just for context so I can also ask a vet. I know it seems disrespectful but I truly wanted to know what was wrong.

I thought I was doing a good job..I loved my hamsters and I only wanted the best for them. My best guess is that he had bad genetics from being from a pet store. My other hamsters died in a similar way; even the one I adopted. Although she was from an accidental litter.*
Next time I want a hamster I will adopt from my local shelter since they tell me the hamsters history since its better for small pets and I will know more about the hamster I'm adopting.*

[cypher]

I'm very sorry for your loss, it's always hard to lose a hamster but especially so when they die far too young.
I think you are right that it was most likely to be a genetic issue, sometimes they can have some kind of organ weakness that isn't evident to begin with & there would have been nothing you could have done differently to change the outcome.
If they begin to gasp before breath at the end this is usually due to organs failing & shutting down rather than a specific respiratory issue.
It sounds as though everything you did & the things you used for your ham were fine so don't feel that you could in any way be to blame for your loss.
I hope you can find another healthy ham to share your life when you're ready.

[Dellaxx2]

Thank you Cypher for your feedback and kind words. I'll take everything I've learned into consideration when I'm ready to own one again.

[Pebbles82]

I am so sorry. Yes we don't know what kind of breeding practices go on and I wouldn't go to the same pet store again. It could have been a heart defect with the breathing issue - very sad. They do have very sensitive respiratory tracts and can be affected by strong scents or cleaning materials - but that wouldn't lead to death like this. But its the only other thing I can think to mention as your set up sounds fine. ie best not to use strong smelling disinfectants, scented bedding or bleach to clean the cage -but you probably know that anyway. I just use warm water when cleanign the cage - disinfectant isn't necessary unless there has been illness or disease.

It sounds like some kind of seizure. So very sorry for your loss xxx Maybe when you feel ready, you could consider adopting a hamster from a rescue or an advertised unwanted pet. I always think if they've survived being rescued and are healthy they must be ok! I adopted a 1 year old syrian last year - knowing he may not be with us that long,but it was a nice age to adopt a hamster as he was confident, tame and mature and is still going strong at 18 months

[Dellaxx2]

Thank you for your kind words and input. And yeah I knew of their sensitive respiratory system so I never used chemical cleaning materials or scented bedding. I also only used warm water or a vinegar/water cleaning solution which I heard is safe.

Whatever it was, I know I won't buy another hamster from a pet store. Adopting sounds like the best choice.
Also its great you adopted an older hamster! I don't mind age; all of them deserve homes and to be loved. If he's still going strong then you must be taking great care of him!

[Dellaxx2]

Thank you for your kind words and feedback. I suspected it was bad genetics due to him being from a pet store but it was easy to blame myself. Seeing these replies are helping a lot. When I'm ready I'll definitely adopt from a shelter.