Spinning Hamster

heidii · 09-14-2022, 09:27 AM

Haven't engaged with much here recently, but I've noticed my hamster spinning a bit more often. I do have a thread for him, but I thought I'd post this issue here instead.

Pico is an adopted Robo who I had the intentions of rehoming (I have been trying to take in neglected hamsters and rehome them out to homes who meet the minimum). He had previously been placed in hamster balls and chased by his previous' owners Cane Corso whilst he was in the ball. I think as a result of this extreme stress, he spins in circles whenever there is something that freaks him out.

For the past couple months, he would noticeably spin if the big light/lamp was on. For this reason, I kept the room as consistently dark as possible and only put the light on when it was truly needed. I then upgraded his enclosure to the IKEA Detolf, as previously he was housed in a Pets at Home "Large Wire Cage".

He's been in the Detolf for a while now, but I am unsure of if it is helping him. I have noticed him spinning more than he uses his wheel, even when the lights are off. He does different types of circles, including tight circles as well as larger circles, such as circles around his wheel. I've tried to break up the space by putting more and more enrichment, hides, etc. in the enclosure but it doesn't seemed to of helped much.

I try to check through the glass for any irritation of the ear, head tilting, discharge, etc. but I haven't seen much. I avoid holding Pico due to how stressed he gets, and considering his size, I feel as though it is a lot of stress to put on his heart.

I am not sure the Detolf is the best bet for him. Maybe the glass that shows into the rest of the room stresses him out? Or maybe its just the PTSD-type of thing that's getting worse as he ages?

I'm not sure how to help him so was wondering if anyone here has many ideas?

Ria P · 09-14-2022, 09:45 AM

You could line the glass front with cardboard or boredom breaker mats or cellotape wrapping paper on the outside to see if it makes any difference.

If he finds the space of the detolf overwhelming than you could try adding a devider to reduce the floor space.

If it's a neuroligical condition that gets worse as he ages then, unfortunately, i don't think there's more you can do than what you're doing already.

heidii · 09-14-2022, 10:06 AM

I have thought about putting the boredom breakers in. At the moment I just have a "dark section" which has a blanket over the exposed glass of the cage. Just so it doesn't cut ventilation properly but gives him a really confined space.
I have no clue what his age is, but not sure taking him to the vets just so they can tell me is a good idea either.

cloudy · 09-14-2022, 10:46 AM

Just to say I am sorry little Pico is experiencing this. I have been thinking of you and your hamsters and hoping you were all well.

Ria P · 09-14-2022, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heidii

I have thought about putting the boredom breakers in. At the moment I just have a "dark section" which has a blanket over the exposed glass of the cage. Just so it doesn't cut ventilation properly but gives him a really confined space.
I have no clue what his age is, but not sure taking him to the vets just so they can tell me is a good idea either.

I can't see what a vet could do for him. Maybe they would check his ears for an ear infection but that would affect his balance and not cause spinning.

heidii · 09-14-2022, 02:01 PM

I've heard some people say that it does cause more spinning, but definitely to no extent that Pico does it, which is why I ruled it out when he first came. I think just because its worsening a bit, I'm grasping at straws as to what I can do to help him. Getting an 80x50 cage soon, was initially just for any rescue dwarves but I think if would do better in something more concealed, it may be a better option for him.

Ria P · 09-14-2022, 02:36 PM

I have my Robo in a 80x50 cage (Hamster Heaven) and he's doing well in there.
Which cage are you getting?

Pebbles82 · 09-14-2022, 03:08 PM

I think trying an 80 x 50 cage is a good idea - if it's a low one. Slightly bigger than the Pets at Home large cage. It does sound like the size of the detolf might be affecting him and some nervous hamsters do better in a more enclosed space. Even if you reduce the size of the detolf it's not quite the same is it? It could be the glass as well. With a barred cage you can attach a lot more to the bars too and have more shelves etc.

I used the Savic Mickey 2XL for our previous robo. Same as the hamster heaven but with narrow bar spacing (and no penthouse or tubes). Not sure if it's still available and the Hamster heaven is always cheaper.

The big front opening door helps with interacting I found without them feeling too freaked because the wide space from the door means you don't have to poke a hand in. I used to just sit and talk to our robo through the open door. He'd keep far enough back he felt safe but liked the slightly open feeling at the front - especially if I needed to put a hand in the cage as could do it from one end of the door or the other (can't quite explain that!).

It's a big change up to a detolf as well - how long has he been in it? It can take them a good two weeks to settle into a new cage and a cage move is stressful too. But I think a move back to a smaller one 80 x 50 will be more familiar to him.

Was his previous pets at home cage the 70cm one or the smaller one? (I think the 70cm one is "extra large" actually).

heidii · 09-14-2022, 06:08 PM

It'll be the Hamster Heaven, found a couple on Facebook for £20-£25, so might get a couple just for future hamsters too.

He must've been in the detolf for a couple months at least. He seemed to settle but now he just seems to be spinning more and more, to the point where I am constantly cleaning bedding from sand that has been forced into it due to the shifting of bedding in spots where he can circle easier.

All it says is Pets at Home Large Wire Cage. Don't think it is anywhere near 70cm, but I am quite bad with guesstimating measurements.

Engel · 09-16-2022, 03:25 PM

Have you considered the possibility of a stroke? They can spin like mad with that and can get worse and settle down again for a bit then start back up.

Another reason could be an ear infection; you don't need to see discharge for there to be one and the body can wall it off and trap it. Alternatively, he could have had a ear infection left untreated and left permanent damage.

Potentially could be stargazers. Typically people think it's just compulsive flipping but can be spinning too.

Have you had Pico checked by a vet? Have they done any exams or swabs?