Long time no see - help!

[Van Diemen]

Hi Everyone!

My last visited date is showing as Nov 24th 2012! Wow I can't believe it's been that long. I hope everyone is keeping well and hello to everyone I don't know yet.

A huge amount has happened since I was last active on here but the thing that has driven me back is my health, and my hamster Teddy's health

As some of you may recall I suffer from asthma. Well, last time I did a full clean out of Ted's cage I had to call the ambulance

It thankfully didn't result in having to go to hospital on that occasion, however more recently at 3am Tuesday morning my asthma flared up and again I had to call the ambulance.

I'm not proud to admit this but I have to say I have been neglecting Ted since needing an ambulance after cleaning him out. I don't clean him out properly any more and I no longer handle him.

Despite this I've still landed myself a 3 day stay in hospital and it's given me the kick I need.

I have noticed he seems to be sleeping a lot more, less active, doesn't collect all his food when I put in the cage like he used too, to add to his store etc.

I think we are both suffering and he is getting old for a hamster now - 2 years & 2 months.

If i'm honest I am considering re-homing him but I do love him dearly and I don't know that's what would be best for him.

So here I am really with my tail between my legs I guess

Ready & willing for all your advice!

Are pellets more asthma friendly than wood-shavings (what he has now), and if so, what process should I use swapping him over?

Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this tricky situation or would you advise re-homing?

Much love to all and thanks in advance for any help offered xx

[Hekomi]

Welcome back! I wasn't on the forums then, but it's nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear about your asthma! That's awful. wood shavings are pretty dusty, I think fitch which is available in the UK is dust free and much better.

[kyrilliondaemon]

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear you've had so many problems lately There are definetly more athsma friendly substrates than wood shavings. The most dust free substrates I can think of are carefresh, fitch and finacard (and I'd reccomend fitch and finacard - I use them both but the finacard is with some of my mice).

It sounds like Teddy is getting old, and if you're sure its the substrate thats the problem then I'd be inclined to change substrate asap and see if you can keep him. Rehoming will take time and it sounds like you need things fixed asap

Given how severe the problems are I'd give him a full cage clean, remove everything and get rid of all the woodshavings, then put the new substrate in and replace all of his toys. It will unsettle him but its the only way to get rid of all the shavings.

[Criceto_Hamstery]

Carefresh IMHO is dustier than wood shavings. I'd recommend finacard for totally dust free bedding. Sorry to hear about your asthma

[kyrilliondaemon]

Yikes! I've only used carefresh briefly and it was safe for Fwirl (who needed dust free substrate) but I'll remember others have found it dusty now you've said

[Van Diemen]

Thanks for the feedback guys

I've just ordered some carefresh to try out as it's the easiest to source at short notice - hopefully not dusty! I've also bought some treats & toys for Ted so hopefully this will lift his mood

Thanks for all the kind words! x

[kyrilliondaemon]

I hope the carefresh is ok for you and that things get sorted soon Let us know how it all goes?

[Van Diemen]

Will certainly keep you all updated - Especially as Ted is getting on a bit now - the forum will be good for support & advice & i've missed seeing how everyone is getting on

[Kirsty1987]

I have asthma too and own 4 hamsters lol, i find mine is set off mostly when cleaning due to all the dust in the air. Wearing a dust mask when cleaning helps and if possible cleaning the cage outside rather than in your house might help

[kyrilliondaemon]

Thanks, I remember you from the first time around so its great to see you again