hybrid health issues

[jesselle]

please remove this if there is a thread similar that i haven't managed to find.

i wondered if anyone could tell me what potential health issues i should be aware of/look out for in a hybrid hamster?

[Sandti]

I don't know much but I know that they at a high risk of diabetes if not feed the right diet.

[Charley101]

The main issues are diabetes and psychological problems. Unfortunately, there's not a lot that can be done for psychological issues but to limit the risk of diabetes you need to try and cut sugar out of their diets.

The only mix on the market that is sugar free is Silver's mixes. I would buy them in an instant if I had the money (the postage is quite high). I use the Burgess Dwarf Mix for my hybrid and she is fine on it. Try not to give them fruit or veg with natural sugars in them. Apple and carrot are two examples. Veg such as brocolli, cucumber and celery is a lot better (in small amounts.)

Signs to look out regarding diabetes:

- excessive drinking and weeing
- squinty eyes
- a hunched over position
- unusually smelly cage
- mood swings
- sleeping more than usual of a sudden
- excessive exercise
- sudden weight loss/gain

[fluffymunchkins]

Hybrids can be more prone to physical deformities when born, obviously this isn't a concern after they have been born healthy x