Hamster issues

Magus`

I had 3 hamsters. One recently past away. Before he did he acted really lethargic and disoriented. However, he became 'normal' again and seemed to be fine. Then he got worse and died.

Now another hamster is doing the same thing. Both hamsters I have left seem to be very thin, even though I'm feeding them several times a day. I even try to sneak in a few sunflower seeds for the extra calories.

Going to a vet around here is pointless as they'll just give them an antibiotic shot which did jack shit for the rat I took in.

For now I'm keeping them separate in case it's some sort of infection. All my animals (for a time) had a huge harvest mite (chigger) infestation which I have sense taken care of. Do they perhaps carry something deadly to hamsters? My other animals (who were infested) are doing fine, if a little bit up.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bliss 101

How old are these hamsters?

edit: I'm asking because rodents don't live very long and weight loss and apathy is a pretty common symptom before they basically die of old age.

Magus`

I'm not sure. They don't appear old.

Feral

Are they your typical Syrian hamsters or are they dwarf hamsters?

Magus`

They're normal sized teddy bear hamsters.

Feral

When you say the dead one was "disoriented," what do you mean? How did he behave?

A couple of common ailments to check for:

- Wet tail: look for diarrhea or moisture underneath the tail
- Respiratory infection: hold the sick hamster up to your ear and listen for a clicking noise while breathing.

Both of these conditions require antibiotics immediately. Barring both of those, you'll need a vet's diagnosis.

Magus`

One does have a messy, err, behind but I think it's cause his fur is so long. And like by disoriented I meant he would trip over himself.

Feral

Magus` wrote: »

One does have a messy, err, behind but I think it's cause his fur is so long.

No, that's not normal. Healthy hamster feces come out semi-solid, they should not smear on the hamster's fur.

It sounds like they likely have wet tail, which is infectious, and requires antibiotics. You should take them to a vet. If it is indeed wet tail, they won't give the hamsters a shot. Instead they'll give you a bottle of antibiotics that you will have to force feed to them for several days.

Magus`

They're not smeared, just stuck. They're still solid.. I think. I've not been squeezing the turds. D;