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Old 11-06-2021, 02:14 AM   #1
strwbie
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Post Why is my hamster so small?

I weighed my female Syrian Possum the other day, and she weighed a little over 90 grams. She is a bit younger, but I've seen baby syrians that weigh well over 150g. Is there something wrong with her? It seems like everytime she eats she gains weight, but the next day shes very light again. Could she have been a runt in her litter? I adopted her from the pet store, so I was thinking that could have been a factor too. (I don't have breeders in my area)
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Old 11-06-2021, 11:41 AM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Hi and welcome to HC!

I believe the normal weight range for an adult Syrian starts at 85g.

Maybe your hamster is still young and will grow yet. How long have you had her for?

The reason she appears heavier after eating could be that she pouched a good part of the food you thought she had eaten.

Like with humans, you get naturally small and big hamsters.
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Old 11-06-2021, 02:36 PM   #3
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

I’m no expert but I think it would help people if you know her length, age and maybe show a picture of her.

If she’s still very young I wouldn’t worry so much as she could be growing. Also, Ria is right, you get big and small hamsters. My previous hamster was tiny really and she fitted fine in a 21cm wheel with no arched back. I don’t know her length or weight as I’d never thought to do it before

My new hamster is massive in comparison, I had to get a 33cm wheel as her back was arching a lot, I know she’s seven inches long and weighs 200g. I’m not sure if she’s actually overweight though since pet shop bought hamsters tend to be within the hundred range. I’d adopted her but I guess she was pet shop. Breeder ones can be 200g so either mine is show ready or fat lol 😂

I think the general rule is for every inch they should weigh an ounce of course this is very general. Also I think you can tell looking at them like my new hamster does look ever so slightly on the podgy side so I reduce her fat intake.

The best picture I can find of each is them on the same wheel for comparison, small hamster was asleep so that’s why she’s like a ball 😂 it’s the best I’ve got, big hamster also I have upgraded to 33cm now so don’t think she’s tortured anymore!
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Old 11-06-2021, 02:44 PM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Lilafernim, 200g isn't overweight in a big hamster.
My first hamster Henry who was from the petshop weighed 230g in his prime and never looked fat.
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Old 11-06-2021, 02:50 PM   #5
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

I thought 200g was healthy and I like to double check before I reply to anyone and it said normally breeders ones weigh more which makes sense. Mitzi is pet shop bought I believe? I wouldn’t say she’s overweight just maybe a little podgy as on her back her belly does bump out a bit more. Not and unhealthy amount I’d say though.

I forgot to attach pictures! Like I say new hamster has bigger wheel now and also use paper bedding, need to find a longer lasting bedding though I’m debating between carefresh and Fitch.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Small hamster 🐹 .jpg (38.0 KB, 23 views)
File Type: jpg Big hamster 🐹 .jpg (102.0 KB, 23 views)
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Old 11-06-2021, 02:56 PM   #6
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Also Ria this is Mitzi, I think on her back you can see a bit of podge but I think she’s healthy. Thoughts?

Strwbie it would be great to see your hammie too 😊
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Mitzi back.jpg (1.27 MB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg Mitzi still.jpg (2.87 MB, 28 views)
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Old 11-06-2021, 06:15 PM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Hamsters vary in weight and size tremendously. Our current Syrian is big - his normal weight was 270g and that isn’t being fat. So just feed them normally. 200g is definitely not overweight Lila.

To the OP - yes 90g is very light - but it depends if she’s still a baby or fully grown. And yes she may be a runt.
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Old 11-07-2021, 02:58 AM   #8
strwbie
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

IMG_E2561[1].JPGIm not sure if I replied to this right (I dont frequent forums) but here she is, Like I said she weighs a little over 90g, and shes around 5 inches in length. I'm not sure about her age but im assuming a little over 3 or 4 months, since when I first adopted her she had that baby belly.
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Old 01-24-2022, 09:21 AM   #9
HattawayHamsters
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilafernim View Post
Also Ria this is Mitzi, I think on her back you can see a bit of podge but I think she’s healthy. Thoughts?

Strwbie it would be great to see your hammie too 😊
Mitzi looks big and healthy and so adorable. Great pics.
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Old 01-24-2022, 11:16 AM   #10
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Why is my hamster so small?

Thank you! Yes she is beautiful and since posting I’ve upgraded her cage and she’s been loving the bigger wheel. Now I have the opposite issue from when initially posting, I guess after being deprived a correct size wheel most her life, now she doesn’t stop running! So, she’s actually lost some weight, seems more happy though, I’ve been feeding her porridge on a night as recently I’ve been able to feel her ribs more. Probably a healthy amount, but I like to keep her more weighty than underweight.
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