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Post by Die Fledermaus on Feb 22, 2004 22:01:19 GMT -4
To avoid us typing the same issues repeatedly, especially for newbies, I am creating sticky threads for such advice. Please add to it at your pleasure.
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Post by dosergirl on Feb 25, 2004 22:46:59 GMT -4
National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435
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Post by jemcb75 on May 1, 2006 14:17:46 GMT -4
I'm new to hamsters, I've always been a dog/cat lover, but recently the little girl I take care of was asked to take the class hamster home for the 2 week holiday. Her dad didn't want to, but I said..."why not"...incidently that's the hamster's name...Why Not. We live in France, so I've no idea why they named her that....
I've had her for a week now and she's brilliant! But last night I noticed she started sneezing and has a runny nose. She wasn't active all night and all day today she's been sleeping (normal, yah?) She will munch a bit, but that's all. I was in contact with the teacher who said that if she wasn't better by tomorrow we'll talk about the vet. Is there anything I could do for her? I've made sure she's warm, dry, comfortable and I even made her a mixture of milk, water, and honey like a website said. She was out a bit today and seemed a little better, but now she's back to sneezing and sleeping. Help! i don't want to be known as the Class Hamster Killer!
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Post by pinky on May 1, 2006 15:07:37 GMT -4
Hi--welcome to Rodent Retreat!
Hmmm. . . . I have no experience with hamsters with colds, but I have a few ideas.
That you've made sure she's warm and comfortable is good. Hamsters sleep during the day but should be active at night. When you say "she wasn't active all night"--are you sure? Some hamsters don't come out till rather late.
If she is eating and drinking normally there probably isn't any reason to give her "unusual" food, like the mixture you mentioned. It may only upset her digestive system. Besides, sweets aren't good for them. A food often mentioned on hamster forums that seems to be good for ill hamsters is scrambled egg. You might try this if her appetite is not what it should be.
Is she urinating/defecating as usual?
Continue to watch her, I'd say, and probably plan that trip to the vet if she doesn't improve.
Other members are likely to see this and respond with more experienced advice, so check back here if you can.
Best wishes!
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 1, 2006 19:28:48 GMT -4
Yes, I think pinky's advice was good. I can't add more. Keep us posted. Best wishes.  |
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Post by jemcb75 on May 2, 2006 7:21:38 GMT -4
She's doing much better today. I don't hear the wheezing and she's hardly sneezing. She has been out and moving around (especially when she heard the kids, but that could be my imagination.) Since she's at my house and I watch the kids at their house, Why Not will have warmth quiet to get better. I checked to see if she's been urinating and defacating. She urinates in the opposite corner of her cage and I noticed some feces. I didn't want to disturb her nest to much as she seems very comfortable. I will change it when it needs to be changed for sanitary reasons. I'm feeling a bit more positive today. Thanks for your help!
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Post by pinky on May 2, 2006 9:55:51 GMT -4
Great news! Best wishes!
I love the name Why Not! So unique!
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Post by jemcb75 on May 2, 2006 10:37:40 GMT -4
Animals gone mad! What's the moon doing? I've taken the kids cat to the vet now...an abscessed leg..yuck. While I was there I asked about Why Not. He was most understanding (they love their pets here). If she's not better by Thursday...he said he'd take a look at her. I'm about to take the kids to my house to check up on her. This forum has helped me put my mind at ease. Like I said, I've never experienced hamsters...Viva Rodent Retreat!
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Post by pinky on May 2, 2006 14:08:14 GMT -4
Glad to be of help! There are a number of quite experienced owners here--you came to the right place.
Best of luck with the animals!
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 2, 2006 17:41:34 GMT -4
That is good! But be careful if you have a cat in the same house as a hamster. At some point the hamster WILL escape, and that is why the hamster must be kept in a room with a closed door where the cat NEVER goes. Please take my advice, please. |
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Post by megs on May 2, 2006 18:05:07 GMT -4
It is true, we've recently (within the past month) heard of two hamsters being killed by the household cats. It's really a shame.
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Post by jemcb75 on May 3, 2006 3:26:10 GMT -4
I've thought of that! Thanks! I have Why Not in her own room with a door that I have to keep locked because Muesli, my clever cat, can open doors!
On another note, I tried the scrambled egg and she loved it! Last night she was back to the Why Not I first met 10 days ago! I'm still keeping a watchful eye, but things are looking up! When I have to take her back to the classroom next Tuesday, I'm gonna miss her. I will be taking her treats though. I will also tell the teacher everything I've learned about Why Not (what she likes, etc.) In the class they have a guinea pig, two birds, a fish, and Why Not! Quite the little zoo! It's been an interesting, but happy journey learning about hamsters! If I'm not mistaken, Why Not is the mother of Baguette who lives in another classroom. I will have to go and see him.
A hamster fan has been born!
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Post by megs on May 3, 2006 3:54:08 GMT -4
Cool! I'm glad you have had such a good time with her! Hamsters are alot of fun, for kids and adults alike. I have 5 |
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Post by Die Fledermaus on May 3, 2006 10:28:08 GMT -4
Can't you get the hamster at the end of the school year and care for her for keeps?
Almost all mine love scrambled eggs. One oddball doesn't! Go figure. ;D
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Post by jemcb75 on May 4, 2006 5:56:55 GMT -4
Hey, that sounds like a good idea! I'll ask.
How do I post a picture of Why Not?
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