Bernard fell on the floor😭😭😭

[clerbird321]

He is okay as far as I can tell. He has already been out twice since it happened for more treats and let me pick him up to quickly check him, but I couldn’t get a good look at him for obvious injuries, he was wiggly and I didn’t want him to fall again. I feel so awful

I was holding him and giving him treats and he got wiggly, so as I was trying to put him back in his cage he slipped out of my hands and fell about 1.5 or 1.75 feet onto the hardwood floor I couldn’t tell if he fell on his back or on his feet because I panicked and scooped him up right away before he could run off but he was squeaking and chittering, which is the first time he’s ever made noise.

What do I need to keep an eye out for to make sure he’s okay?? I am so worried and I feel like such a horrendous hammy mom

 

[Maz]

Yes just observe him for the next day or so and check he is ok. It's most likely shock and any injuries will show - see if he's walking ok and looking normal. I'm not lecturing here but it is far too risky to carry them back to the cage - this happens even with the tamest of hamsters - they can just suddenly wriggle free and fall. In future it's best to use a "taxi" (eg a rat tube or similar, with your hands over the end).

He will probably be ok. I also keep a big cushion on the floor in front of the cage - in case they jump out at some point.

 

[clerbird321]

Yes just observe him for the next day or so and check he is ok. It's most likely shock and any injuries will show - see if he's walking ok and looking normal. I'm not lecturing here but it is far too risky to carry them back to the cage - this happens even with the tamest of hamsters - they can just suddenly wriggle free and fall. In future it's best to use a "taxi" (eg a rat tube or similar, with your hands over the end).

He will probably be ok. I also keep a big cushion on the floor in front of the cage - in case they jump out at some point.

Sorry I should have been more clear, I was sitting right in front of his cage and was just putting him back in when he wriggled out of my hands. I never carry him away from the cage and if I have to put him in his carrier I use a large mug to transport from cage to carrier. But don’t apologize for lecturing lol, I’m a newbie so I appreciate the help!

He went into his burrow but came out twice after that and came up to the front begging for treats, and seemed to be walking okay but it’s hard to tell. He also climbed up to his water bowl like he always does just fine. That is a good idea about the cushion, maybe I’ll leave a thick blanket there.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I hope little Bernard will be OK, sending wishes for healing

 

[clerbird321]

Yes just observe him for the next day or so and check he is ok. It's most likely shock and any injuries will show - see if he's walking ok and looking normal. I'm not lecturing here but it is far too risky to carry them back to the cage - this happens even with the tamest of hamsters - they can just suddenly wriggle free and fall. In future it's best to use a "taxi" (eg a rat tube or similar, with your hands over the end).

He will probably be ok. I also keep a big cushion on the floor in front of the cage - in case they jump out at some point.

hi again! I’ve noticed he hasn’t been peeing on his wheel quite as much. He usually pees mainly in his burrows and his wheel. Otherwise he’s been acting normal, drinking water, eating, running on his wheel, etc. He didn’t come out much for treats yesterday but he was up during his normal hours. I’m going to clean his burrow tonight so I’ll be able to get another good look at him. I wondered if maybe he changed his wheel peeing habit because he’s injured buuuut I think I noticed less pee on his wheel a couple days before he fell. Does this sound like he’s doing okay?

 

[Maz]

It's all sounding positive. Could be coincidence he's not peeing on his wheel so much The main thing is that he is actually peeing so yes checking is a good idea.

 

[clerbird321]

It's all sounding positive. Could be coincidence he's not peeing on his wheel so much The main thing is that he is actually peeing so yes checking is a good idea.

What should I check for? He pees in his burrow as well but I guess I don’t know how to tell if there’s more in there than usual.