Any difference in long hair vs short hair care?

MikeTherk · 05-27-2021, 01:24 PM

I've had three shorthair Syrian ("teddybear") hamsters. My first one was a trainwreck because I was 12 and didn't do any research other than what was provided by PetSmart. (dear god... the cages...). Now that I'm in my 30's, I have so much info and gave Chewch (RIP) and Orange (my current) the best care possible.

Recently, a friend told me her friend didn't want to take care of her hamster anymore because A) she's scared of it because it's not tamed and B) she doesn't want to put the effort into getting knowledge. So, basically, there's just a neglected hamster suffering in a cage somewhere. I asked my husband and he said I could rescue it before it dies of stress, neglect or she "let's it go outside so nature can take its course."

It's a long hair Syrian. I've always had short hair. Is there any difference with food, bedding, etc in regards to a long hair? This baby is off to such a bad start already, I don't want to contribute.

PS: The convo happened on Monday and now they won't answer me, so I'm fearing the worst has already happened.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2021, 01:51 PM

I think the only difference I have found with long haired hamsters is that you might have to try a few types of bedding to see which is the best and doesn't get taffled in all the fluff. My female long haired was fine, but as my male long haired has got older and his fur had got longer I could no longer use megazorb and I had to start brushing him on occasion. I've found hemp bedding and fitch seem to be working for him at the moment.
Fingers crossed you can help and it's not too late.

Ria P · 05-27-2021, 02:00 PM

I would have gotten the hamster out of there and then worried about details like that later.

I'm pretty sure that there is no significant difference between caring for a short or a long haired hamster.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2021, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

I would have gotten the hamster out of there and then worried about details like that later.

I'm pretty sure that there is no significant difference between caring for a short or a long haired hamster.

Yes but if you don't know Ria it's best to check before taking something on you might not be able to cope with. It may sound daft but I never wanted a long haired hamster as I thought it would be way more work than a short haired and with my health and energy levels I thought it may be too much to take on, but it really isn't.

Ria P · 05-28-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

Yes but if you don't know Ria it's best to check before taking something on you might not be able to cope with. It may sound daft but I never wanted a long haired hamster as I thought it would be way more work than a short haired and with my health and energy levels I thought it may be too much to take on, but it really isn't.

I suppose you're right Luna and my first comment wasn't even relevant, just me talking without thinking first, again.
Sorry Mike Therk.

Are there any news of the hamster?

MikeTherk · 05-28-2021, 11:36 AM

No, I haven't been able to get in contact with the owner and the last comment was they want to kill it. So... I think I'm too late, but I tried.

Ria P · 05-28-2021, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeTherk

No, I haven't been able to get in contact with the owner and the last comment was they want to kill it. So... I think I'm too late, but I tried.

I am so sorry to hear this awful news. Could you get your friend to offer them money for the hamster on your behalf? Maybe they'd not kill it then.

My last rescue hamster was down to money but i appreciate that not everyone has the resources. Just a thought.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-28-2021, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeTherk

No, I haven't been able to get in contact with the owner and the last comment was they want to kill it. So... I think I'm too late, but I tried.

Oh no, fingers crossed they might reach out to you again.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-28-2021, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

I suppose you're right Luna and my first comment wasn't even relevant, just me talking without thinking first, again.
Sorry Mike Therk.

Are there any news of the hamster?

Nah, you are just passionate about rescuing hamsters.

MikeTherk · 05-30-2021, 11:26 AM

Just saved her. So neglected. Wonder if I should do a separate post?