Hammie Question from the Cat side....

[Karen]

They should sterilize everything they used for all the hamsters. Not just wash it, sterilize it completely. Discard any used bedding, and anything else that may have been contaminated.

I would also write to the corporate office for the store, with dates and receipts.

Sending the letter to the Better Business Bureau at the same time is something they should think about.

I would then wait a while before getting another rodent, and maybe opt for something sturdier, like a guinea pig.

[IRescue452]

MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT GET ANOTHER RODENT RIGHT NOW!

The store clearly has a disease outbreak. They should make sure the store knows. The store can quarentine and disinfect until the cows come home and they still won't get everything. Small rodent diseases can go virtually without symptoms until something happens (a move to a new home causing stress). Some diseases are extremely contagious and can pass from various types of rodents and animals with different symptoms with each animal. You can file a complaint with the better business bureau only after you've informed the store that you think they have a disease outbreak and they won't do anything. You'd best make sure its not something the kid is doing that is causing this. A toxic food treat perhaps?