[B] I've been keeping hamsters for around eight years and two days ago I purchased some gorgeous chinese hamsters, two girls. However I've noticed that one of them seems to be sneezing constantly, at least that's what I think she's doing as she keeps making small squeaking noises. When I got her she seemed perfectly fine, and she appears very happy - she's extremely active and inquisitive and has no other symptoms such as runny eyes. Is it possible she is allergic to the bedding I have given her or could it be early signs of her being ill? Also, should I separate her from her sister in case she catches something off her?
Any help much appreciated!
Posted:
Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:18 am
Twig TopDog
Joined: Feb 14, 2007 Posts: 513 Age: 18 No.Of Pets: 10+ Pet Types: Dog, 2 rabbits and lots of fish!
If you seperate them, they cannot ever be put back together, and chances are if it was something she could catch, the sisterwould already have it anyway, maybe her symptoms aren't showing yet, so keep an eye out.
What bedding do you use? Woodshavings and sawdust are common for allergies. Carefresh or megazorb is definetly a much better bedding.
Sneezing could be a respiratory infection or signs of a cold, does her fur look ruffled, is she lethargic? Hamsters go down hill fast, so if it looks like a cold, get her seen by a vet asap!
They can catch colds of us, and sadly hamsters die if not treated and can't fight it off like us.
Also, just a note, Chinese hamsters are now thought to be soliatary, and many females, even sisters often fight violently! Some do get along, but its something you'll have to watch out for. Chinese hamsters also stress easily, so try and keep them as calm as possible.
Good luck and let us know how they are.
Posted:
Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:40 am
shadylady TopDog
Joined: Dec 21, 2006 Posts: 1490 Age: 22 No.Of Pets: 10+ Pet Types: dog 2 hamsters 2 snails 2 guinea pigs 3 cats and 6 rabbits
squeaking hamsters could mean its frustrated, angry, or hurting. this was what was unusual about my hamster when i got him from the pet shop he kept makin squeaking noises, so i presumed he was frustrated from travelling.. also for a couple of days after i got him home he kept doing it, so i let him settle down into his new environment by not holding him as often as i would of.. and he is now happy.. but dont presume your hamster is frustrated only you now whats wrong so if he/she doesnt stop squeaking after a couple of days you should consult your local vets?? ____________
Posted:
Sat Feb 17, 2007 3:44 pm
Speatie Newbie
Joined: Feb 17, 2007 Posts: 2 Age: 18 No.Of Pets: 8 Pet Types: Dog, cats, rabbits, hamsters
Good news - the sneezing seems to have just about cleared up since I have change her bedding. And I shall be keeping an eye on how her and her sister are getting along!
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