Cheesy’s Thread

[Lily Bloom]

Aw poor Cheesy - I should think if he has a fungal infection he is not feeling quite as well. What did the vet give you to treat it with? Is it some oral medication or something to put on his skin?

He doesn't really look overweight and 170g is ok for a syrian hamster. How long is he? The average syrian hamster is about 6" to 7" long. And they can vary in weight from about 120g up to 250g! Tino is a big syrian and he is 220g. The average is probably 150g to 160g but some hamsters are bigger than others (just like humans!).

However I do think increasing protein is very important. Lack of protein can cause fur loss (and it is always more noticeable on a long haired hamster). What diet does he have at the moment? It can be hard to find a good hamster mix in some places, but if there isn't much choice, you could use a pellet mix and supplement with fresh human food - eg egg, a bit of cooked chicken even - nuts. I am sure if you just avoid any sweet things, his weight will normalise. Maybe don't give too many sunflower seeds either as too many of those as treats can cause weight gain.

But - they still need the right balance of fats, carbohydrates and protein for general nutrition. So a hamster mix or pellets should provide most of that (but many of these are low on protein).

I don't think he's very old is he? How old is he now? Also is it very hot at the moment, as that can make them lethargic.

I think this is a case of taking things gradually. Maybe try tempting him with a bit of variety of fresh food. Eg does he have a bit of fresh veg every day? They love that. Just a tiny piece - no bigger than his ear (or no bigger than 1cm cubed size at least). Putting that on a dish furthest away from his sleeping area, will motivate him to get up and find it each day Also maybe hide a treat or two for him in his cage - half a walnut or a couple of pumpkin seeds - and he'll enjoy finding them. So it might perk up his routine a bit. Nuts are also good for protein.

A bit of chopped hard boiled egg a couple of times a week will help as well and they usually like that

 

[Lily Bloom]

it’s not very hot here

 

[Maz]

How is he doing

 

[Lily Bloom]

How is he doing

he is doing a little better. the itching has reduced a bit. i give him medicines on time. the vet asked me to put one drop on some food, or give it directly. i haven’t given him directly yet cause i don’t really want to force him so i just give with food and he finishes it by himself.

he’s still very lethargic though. i want him to be a lil more active at night.

 

[Maz]

I hope he improves soon and the medicine helps

 

[Lily Bloom]

I hope he improves soon and the medicine helps

i hope too thank you

 

[Maz]

Can you get hemp seeds? If so you could give him a "pinch" of those daily on a separate dish. They are good for boosting the immune system and contain almost all the vitamins and minerals needed so it's like giving him vitamins. Hamsters like them and tend to just lick them up. They taste a bit nutty. Also linseeds - a pinch of those every day on the same dish (two separate little piles) - those are rich in vitamin e and other things and really improve their skin, and fur condition. I've seen visible improvements in two weeks of giving linseeds. They are very effective.

If you can only get one, I'd get the hemp seeds for the nutrition and immune boosting.

 

[Lily Bloom]

yes i have both and i give him hemp seeds everyday.