Hamsters are dying!

[sorrowhood]

Okay...In the past four weeks, I've bought two hamsters, at different times...
The first one, it lived for only a week and a half. I made a plan to clean the cage every week. Although, she died anyway.
Now, I got another one, nearly two weeks ago and this one died, just like the other, in a clean cage. I do not understand it...can anyone help?

[TobyRat]

If they were all syrian, it chould of possibly been wet tail. Hamsters who have it usually die withen the first couple weeks of purchase.

Whatever it was though, I advise you not to buy any more hamsters from that pet store. If you want another pet try a different pet store, shelter, or even a breeder.

[sorrowhood]

Well, the first one was a Syrian and the second one was a teddy bear hamster. I'll have to do some research up on why they get so sick so fast, or what.
I'm going to warn the pet store about this and probably go to another one...

[tamsworld]

I am sorry for your losses.

Were there any warning signs?

[sorrowhood]

Well, the only sign I got from them, was a dirty butt or a wet butt. I couldn't understand why. They just curled up in their sleep and came home to them dead....but what is more freaky, is that every night I went to my uncle's house for dinner and came home... they were dead, each time...

[SketchBall]

Is the cage near any air vents, heaters etc.?

Also what kind of bedding do you use, cause the fluffy bedding can be dangerous...

I agree that you should buy the hamsters from a different pet store or breeder


Good Luck

[sorrowhood]

I didn't have him by any vents. The only vent I have is above my door and he was across my room. I didn't have him by the window either.
I use pine...I don't know what it's called...(pine bedding)

[Rodentguy]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your hamsters.
:( As Tobyrat said I advise you to not buy anymore hamsters from that pet store. I hope you find another pet store and get a nice healthy hammy :)

[sorrowhood]

Yeah. I won't go back to Petco and buy another hamster from them. It's stupid that they keep dying. I've been thinking about getting a guinea pig now..

[TobyRat]

It sounds like they all died from wet tail. "Teddy bear hamster" is just another name for syrian. . . so when you say they had a "wet butt" and that they all came from the same store I am almost sure of it.

When you do get your new pet (whether if it is a guinea pig or hamster) don't use the pine any more. Phenols, which is put in most pine to make it smell good can cause serious harm for your small animals.

[sorrowhood]

Thanks for the advice...

[steveakam]

If you get another hamster give that cage a good wash in hot water and pet safe disinfectant. when youve done that do it again to be sure. scrub the cage and every thing thats been in it.

[sorrowhood]

Well, earlier today I soaked the entire cage in bleach, so that should disinfect the entire thing...

[Misty1964]

Hi there the best bedding to use is ASPEN bedding..is has no oils or smells...and its dust free...what a hammie likes :)

[Revenge]

How can the catch though I already know they might be born with it but how do they catch it