Hammie Question from the Cat side....

[Karen]

What kind of bedding are the hamsters kept on at the store? And what are they using? The wrong bedding can make hammies very sick.

[Whisk_Luva]

The bedding type is very important as Karen said, bedding which is not made out of natural materials can cause a rectal prolapse.

Also wet tail might be the cause. This is a disease which is often caused by stress, and young hamster are more prone to this. The cage which the hamster is being put into should be ready when the new hamster arrives, and the hamster should be left for about 2 days before being picked up etc, as the hamster needs to settle in to avoid stress. The main symptom is diarrhoea and wet tail usually kills the hamster within 2 days after the symptoms show if not treated. Symptoms usually take about 7 days to show.

If the hamsters had no signs of either of the things, all I would say is to clean and disinfect the cage before another hamster goes in it, and talk to the pet store.

Also how old are the hamsters? The hamsters should be at least 5-6weeks old.

[kitten645]

Thank you all for the info. They are now on hammie #3 They were very specific about the bedding being natural so I know that isn't the problem. Petco does have a 15 day policy and has replaced each one but that doesn't help a childs broken heart I've been to the store and it's quite clean and the animals are well taken care of. I'll have to ask how old the hammie is. When they got the second one, the guy DID tell them not to handle him for a week due to stress levels. Harrison was very good about following the directions but that doesn't seem to have helped.
I didn't realize hammies were so delicate. I figured rodents would be pretty hardy but I guess the domesticated kind isn't. Fingers crossed on number three. Name suggestions? He still hasn't named it as he's not so trusting he'll stick around
Thanks again,
Claudia

[Taz_Zoee]

Awww, that poor little boy. This is the woman I met last night, isn't it Claudia? (btw, it was great seeing you again )

Well, I hope this hamster sticks around. Maybe they should jump on the internet and they could possibly find a hamster specific forum that could help. Not that there aren't hammie experts here, it was just another idea.

[kitten645]

HI CINDY!!! *waves* Yes it is Chelle's son. So far so good on number three. Seems the week mark has been the fatal day..literally So if he lasts thru the week, we are ahead of the curve Fingers crossed!
Claudia

[IRescue452]

If this one dies they need to stop with rodents until they get this figured out. Any rodent they bring in will just be another death sentence.

Wet tail is NOT a disease in itself. Its a symptom. Stress is a mild "disease" that causes it. Tyzzer's is another cause which is anything but mild. Wet tail is a symptom in a rodent that needs vet attention immediately and proper antibiotics to fit the cause of the runny stool, not store bought treatments. If the hamster had tyzzer's disease I would suggest bleaching and bleaching and bleaching the cage, throw out all old bedding and food from the previous hamster, dispose of current water bottle and plastic food dishes. Never get another animal from this store as it is contagious.

Even if it isn't a disease like that, they should follow strict rules of quarentine with rodents. If the mom or boy goes into the pet store that sells rodents, they should change their clothes and wait 3 hours afterward before touching their hamster or going to close to it. Rodents are not very hardy when it comes to spreadable viruses and disease.

[lvpets2002]

My Heart goes out to the Child for the death of his 2 hamsters.. I sure hope for his sake the 3rd one lives & is ok.. Yes the store needs to stand behind this child & his loss..