My hamster uses wheel a lot less

[cassie]

I am worry about my hammy, Pumpkin, is now 7 months. She has a niteangel 28" wheel with the pedometer. Pumpkin used to run more than 6,xxx round every night but the last week she just runs a few hundreds.

Is it because of the weather? Its about 65 degree. I got her a dig box 1.5month ago, it's about 9"x10"x10" and full of beddings. She loves to burrow in the dig box, which I think can keep her warm?

She always self-grooming at the corner of her cage, is that normal? Some sites says it's because the hammy is cold or not secured.

I also post the set up of her cage of some advice.

TIA. Appreciate for any comments and advice.

 

[Maz]

Hello I think the main thing is the rest of her behaviour - does she seem happy, healthy and active and interact?

The amount of wheel running on its own isn't always a sign of anything wrong. Sometimes they just settle down with their enthusiasm for the wheel after the initial excitement. As they grow up they tend to only use at night (and not all night - they can spend time sitting washing, foraging etc, and just have bursts on the wheel).

Assume you've checked the wheel is working ok?

I'm not familiar with that enclosure, and it may be that it's a bit on the small side for her. Does she come out of the cage regularly? Or does she seem less active and more lethargic?

In terms of enrichment, you could maybe add some sprays and does she have chew sticks?

 

[cassie]

Thanks Maz for the advice.

I checked the wheel and is working alright. As I live in Hong Kong and her enclosure (80x50cm) is already on the large size in this city I will try to add some enrichment. Chew sticks are staple in her cage and we will bring her out maybe 2 times a week.

I reckon Pumpkin is the same hammy - happy and active. But my daughter is very worried about Pumpkin, saying that she runs way too less and sometimes Pumpkin will fall asleep in the sand bath, and Pumpkin's nails are too long... she urges me to take Pumpkin to the vet ... will report back and share with you guys after the visit

 

[Maz]

It's a good size and it used to be seen as the minimum a few years ago And yes it can be very difficult finding suitable sized cages. It is a really nice tank style cage you have. Female syrians are usually very active, so it might be she's a bit bored and regular out of cage time can help with that. Is she handleable and hand tame? If you have an area you can hamsterproof where she can free roam she may have a new lease of life! They love running around and rummaging and exploring a room. Hamsterproofing a room is essential though (and making sure people are aware she's out).

How old is she? It's often as they get older their nails get a bit long.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Welcome to the forum ❤ Having her nails trimmed might help her to run more easily. I would add a little bit of cheddar cheese to her diet, and more protein in the form of some pecan or walnut pieces a couple of times a week. She might eat tofu or tiny bits of plain chicken along with her regular hamster food. They like chopped pieces of fresh salad, celery, lettuce, cucumber and parsley or a little bit of cooked carrot or pumpkin can be good for them, just about a teaspoon full. What is her name? Your daughter looks after her well.

 

[Maz]

Sorry just saw she is 7 months old So yes diet is important and enough protein. Which hamster mix is she on? They do love their fresh veg as well and that can motivate them. I tend to alternate between broccoli, carrot, baby corn, cucumber or a blueberry. Most of them love broccoli and cucumber.

She is a bit young to be being lethargic. Are you sure she isn't running on the wheel at night? When you're all asleep. That's what most hamsters do after a certain age. Wait till all the lights go out and then have their "me time" running on the wheel on and off all night. You could try putting a bit of bedding on top of the wheel before bedtime and see if it's gone in the morning.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Sorry just saw she is 7 months old So yes diet is important and enough protein. Which hamster mix is she on? They do love their fresh veg as well and that can motivate them. I tend to alternate between broccoli, carrot, baby corn, cucumber or a blueberry. Most of them love broccoli and cucumber.

She is a bit young to be being lethargic. Are you sure she isn't running on the wheel at night? When you're all asleep. That's what most hamsters do after a certain age. Wait till all the lights go out and then have their "me time" running on the wheel on and off all night. You could try putting a bit of bedding on top of the wheel before bedtime and see if it's gone in the morning.

Hammy has a Nightangel pedometer

 

[Maz]

Oh good point! Have you done a health check recently? It's a good idea to weigh them fairly regularly to check for any major changes in weight, and while handling as usual, you can feel if there are any lumps that shouldn't be there. She is still using it though, even if less.

 

[cassie]

Thanks Maz & Sock's Mum for the valuable advices.

My daughter is so worry and said Pumpkin is not the her usual self.

We therefore took Pumpkin to the vet yesterday. Sadly the vet told us that my hammy has a tumor. After ultrasound, the vet said the tumor is quite big inside her tummy. Maybe that's the reason why she is not active and using her wheel as she must be in pain. Devastated

She has a body check in August and she was fine. No weight lost, still around 150g. The vet suspects the tumor maybe maglinant as it grow so fast and big. We don't want to lose her and therefore planned to let her have surgery nest week to remove the tumor. Hoping that she can recover as she is still young.

I don't know what else I can do now. Any suggestion on what I can prepare before and after the surgery?

Thanks.

 

[Maz]

I am so sorry - your instincts were right. Is the vet an exotic vet? It’s very unfair and such a young hammy. Did the vet say where the tumour was?

 

[cassie]

Yes, the vet is an exotic vet. The tumor is inside the hammy's tummy, unlikely the kidney or liver, maybe lymphoma. I just can hope for the best now.

Pumpkin comes out form her dig box tonight, eat and drink a bit. She stays in the dig box most of the time...

 

[Maz]

I am so sorry - good luck for the surgery - do you know when it will be? x

 

[Socks' Mum]

I am so sorry to hear little Pumpkin is very unwell. I hope the surgery can remove the tumor, it is very sad news. I think there are notes on post surgical care, I will have a quick look. It can be quite complicated looking after a hamster post surgery, but some hamsters cope well and recover quickly.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Giving medication

Thought this deserved a thread as it's always a tricky one when you haven't done it before. One of the most important things is getting the dosage right as sometimes they are such tiny doses such as 0.02 mls - which is a tenth smaller than 0.2 mls. This means choosing the correction markings...

www.thehamsterforum.com

Here is an article on giving medication which may be useful as pain meds may be prescribed by your vet for post surgery care.

 

[Socks' Mum]

https://thehamsterforum.com/threads/caring-for-a-hamster-after-surgery.193/ Here is the article on post surgical care

 

[Tulsi]

Best of luck to Pumpkin when the time comes for surgery.

How lucky that your daughter was tuned in so well and that you were willing to take her to the vet.

Really hope all goes well for her for all of your sakes.

 

[cassie]

thanks for the best wishes and also the artical on post-surgical care. Surgery scheduled on tomorrow. hope my little Pumpkin can get through the surgery well.
thanks again for the support, apprecited it.

 

[Maz]

Good luck - we'll be thinking of you

 

[Socks' Mum]

Pumpkin is very beautiful. I hope the surgery goes well and they can get the tumor out successfully