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Hamster breeding & health problems
▲ 16 r/hamsters

Hamster breeding & health problems

Over the last 3 years, I've lost 2 syrian hamsters prematurely. But most recently, I had my biggest tragedy yet. My newly adopted long haired syrian hamster Marzipan just passed away 3 weeks after adoption. I had noticed some discharge a few days after adoption, but concluded it was typical female discharge. I was looking at her every day for any symptoms as i was also concerned about wet tail.

Well yesterday i got back from work, and found her crouched in a corner, stiff. When i picked her up i noticed a large amount of clumped blood stuck to her rear end. I have several other hamsters I owned living 2 years plus. But the syrians especially seem prone to dying young.

My questions

  1. Are health problems like pyometra, UTI, or wet tail made worse by poor hamster breeding?

  2. Does anyone else notice if theres less health complications with dwarf hamsters?

An aside, I wish there were ethical breeders by me! I hate supporting the breeders that do not track the outcome of their health. Im in minneapolis, and the closest I've found was in virginia, or maybe chicago.

EDIT: to be clear, I dont breed myself. I only adopt.

u/HabitatHomies — 14 hours ago
▲ 3 r/hamsters

Clutter vs space to roam?

I have read both sides on the topic, and think there may be a simple answer.

Owners have different levels of success with clutter and open space setups. There are good reasons for both.

For clutter:

- hideout spaces provide covered areas they feel safe in

- create structures to climb over

For space to roam:

- hamsters love to run, and open space makes it easier to do that

- some hamsters are comfortable in the open

- easier for hamsters with mobility issues (old age) to get around

Boldness is the trait that determines if your hamster will be comfortable in open fields vs being covered. Boldness varies across hamsters and can help explain the difference in success for layout methods.

Please comment, I would love to hear your experiences!

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u/HabitatHomies — 8 days ago
▲ 3 r/hamsters

What are your opinions on freezw dried foods?

Im seeing more all natural no additives freeze dried food at grocery stores. And

I am thinking the strawberry crisps are a great way to keep on hand and not be as worried about mold if she stores it in her food cache.

I have both a syrian and a dwarf so i'll report back after they taste test a piece.

Has anyone else tried this brand? Favorite fruits of your hamster?

u/HabitatHomies — 13 days ago