Concerns over Apache the hamster..

I had to delete the old post, we are here to help Apache and her owners NOTHING ELSE.

I have just joined this board today after being directed here from a hamster board by someone who was concerned about Apache.

As a long time hamster owner and now rescuer of hamsters I wanted to try to help this little hamster and dearly hope her little owners are reading....

Firstly "fancy hamster" Apache is a syrian hamster the kind of hamster which is solitary. The term "fancy" is put onto hamsters by petstores and means nothing.

Hamsters should not be fed junk food such as doughnuts and chocolate is toxic to hamsters as it is to most other animals. The hamster should only be fed hamster mix, hamster treats and fruit/vegetables which are known to be safe for hamsters.

Most worryingly, and you are very lucky Apache is still alive, but hamsters should never be bathed or made to swim. They are delicate little creatures. Being put in water is highly stressful for a hamster and they can so easily catch a chill and die of pneumonia.

Also your little brother and sister should not be handling Apache if they are rough with her, hamsters are delicate creatures with fragile little bones and can easily be hurt by a younger child.

Finally in your picture Apache is standing on wire bars, these can hurt a hamsters feet and lead to a pianful condition called bumblefoot. You need to cover these bars so she has a solid walkinf platform. Runged wheels with gaps are also dangerous as the hamsters foot can slip and the hamster break her leg, you need to only use solid wheels.

Perhaps you could look up some good hamster sites where they have information which can help Apache to live a happy and healthy life. Whatever you do please stop the water baths and junk food.

Sarah

Here are the constructive things people said on the old thread.

Peaceful_hammie_gerbil

“hi shell, I am also concern. People like this abuses their hamsters when they don't even know it. I recall that's like irresponsibilty. She should research more than accidently killing her hamster.”

Hamsterpaws

“Hi. I'm also concerned about Apache's welfare. Chocolate is not a good thing to feed a hamster. Neither is salsa. Also, no baths.

What was really sad to see in the picture of Apache, who is very beautiful, but I am concerned about the floor of her cage. She is standing on wire bars, and that can hurt her. In fact, two of Apache's legs were down between the bars. When I first looked at the picture, I thought that part of two of Apache's legs were missing. And the foot that I did see on top f the bars didn't look very comfortable. Also, since there are bars in there, there can be no bedding for her to nest in. It is important for a hamster to be able to nest in Aspen or Carefresh bedding so they can keep warm. I'd suggest putting her in a cage with a solid bottom with bedding in it.

Like Shellonabeach mentioned, Apache is lucky to still be alive. It's important to do some research on hamsters so that she can have a better quality of life.

I hope this information is helpful.”

Twofours_babe

“im new and thats right you should not feed hamster chocolat or salsa even if hamsters could have salsa i think that it would be tooooooooo hot for there little mouths!!!”
allybeth123
Chocolate is not good for hamsters. Givijng them baths and letting them swim can lead to cold, pneumonia, and also death. The wire bars are also not good. You can cover them up with construction paper and tape. It works, trust me.

Karen, moderator

“I will send your concerns to Apache's owners. In the picture, I think she is out of her cage for some play time outside, which is which the wire didn't woprry me too much. Usually when people send a picture INSIDE the cage, you'd see bars behind Apache for the side of the cage.

We once owned a lovely Siberian Dwarf hamster, Vadim, a second-hand boy, who never had baths as he was very fastidious about cleaning himself.I did not know hamsters shouldn't be bathed, as I said, I will pass your concerns on to her owners, I promise, okay?”

fafaland2

“poor hammie we cant blame the owner she is dosent know any better, this might be her first hamster and she must of thought that hamster are just like dogs,you give them a treat they will eat it and nothing bad will happen.... and of course they look like puppies but im sure the owner will take better care of her hamster she loves her hamster more than anything thats for sure..and im very sure she will stop doing these things”


YellowLabLover

“That's generally why people do TONS of research on the pet they are going to be getting. You don't just walk into a pet store, buy an animal, go home and read 2-3 articles on that creature.

For example:
I have been doing research (light, not heavy) on Labradors for about 2 years now- so when I get my Labrador when I move out about 4-6 years from now, I will be knowledgeable on the breed. “