Hamster Health.
A well cared for hamster will seldom fall ill. But if your
hamster does become ill and you are unsure what to do, please see your
vet.
Some of the more common hamster health problems are
discussed in this section.
Broken Bones.
Occasionally you may accidentally drop your pet hamster,
resulting in a broken limb. You will not be able to set the limb by
splinting the tiny limb (neither will your vet). Your hamster has a
natural ability to bear what would be excruciating pain. The limb is best
left alone. Move the hamster to a separate cage if normally housed with
other. Or restrict its movement up and down floors if kept in a stacking
system cage. Remove the exercise wheel for a week or so to give the limb
chance to heal naturally.
Colds.
If you have a cold, try not to spread it to your hamster.
If your hamster is not protected from draughts then just like us they can
catch a cold or chill. Like us they will look rough, with watery eyes and
runny nose. Your hamster will become lethargic and probably huddle up in a
corner or even stay in bed. The only hamster health remedy
available to you is to keep your hamster warm and make sure plenty of
water is taken. Use an eye dropper if necessary.
Diarrhoea. (Wet Tail)
Hamster poo is normally dark brown to black and quite firm
to hard. You will recognise Diarrhoea as the poo is very wet or even
watery. The best way to treat this is to stop feeding any vegetables of a
watery consistency, like cucumber or lettuce until the Wet Tail up. (See
Worms)
Heatstroke.
This is a preventable hamster illness caused by over
exposure to heat or direct sun. Your hamster will be immobile and look
damp and sweaty. The remedy is to use a mist gun with cold water. Spraying
the sick hamster all over but try not to saturate the fur.
