Diabetes Help, in chinese Dwarf Hamsters??

[Angels quest]

Hi again,
I really could do with some advice from those that know;)
I recently bought two Chinese dwarf hamsters.I read in a book that they are prone to diabetes....is this true, anyone know?
I've been real careful with thier diet since reading that. But then another Hamster forum I joined before finding your better one, told me this is just a rumour & isn't true at all??? How confused am I now!
I read all the books I could find & searched the internet before getting my two guy's.
Also a worry... As I said, I joined a not too helpful hamster forum based in the Uk, and they told me it's a big 'NO,NO' to keep two Chinese Hamsters together, as they will fight till the death. IS this true? How confusing things get, when books & internet tell you so many different things huh?:confused:

Thank you in advance for any light you can shed on these matters, I'd be truly grateful!
Hugs,
mandy

[LMDH]

Hi

Unfortunately diabetes is now common in Chinese hamsters in the south of England. I know a lot of exhibitors that are having problems with it.

But it is genetic not diet related, so you do not need to do anything to their diet unless they show signs. As a precaucion limit foods containing sugar, and dont fed commercial hamster treats to often as these contain a lot of honey.

A yahoo site called honeyhams is great for diabetes care.

Chinese can live together, but only when they want to. I have a breeding pair, Rosie and Jim, who adore each other. Yet my friend who took two of their daughters had to split them up as they hated each other! Males tend to be easier to keep together, two females or a mixed pair are a lot more difficult. But I find these hamsters are very indivual and choose who they like.

Hope that helps

[LMDH]

Actually, as you are in the uk, can u email me as I have some great advice that I cant put on here.

littlemissdwarfhamster@hotmail.com

[Angels quest]

Hi there,
THANK YOU so much, your advice was a BIG help:)
See, I cant believe i was told the diabetes thing was just a rumour, as i had read it in several books. In the end I didn't know what to believe!:confused:

Sorry, I actually mean't that I haven't bought my little one's any of the commercial Hamster treats, as they contain Honey & mollasses etc...and no choccie drops etc. I have just bought them veggie type based treats. Trouble is, you are then pretty limited on what treats they can have & you feel mean! But better that, then helping towards them getting diabetes huh!:(
Is it only the Chinese Dwarf Hamsters that are prone to diabetes, do you know...or other Dwarf breeds too?

So far my Two boy's seem to do well together. of course I keep a very close eye on them & examine them daily for any signs of bites.They are so different in personality, Mr Jingles is slow & Cuddly, But Mr Bo Jangles is quicker & prefers a good run around in his ball (Jingles has no clue what to do in a hamster ball...Bless him!!)

I really appreciate all your help....and you have been a great help..Thank you!!

Hugs,
Mandy, Jingles & Jangles

[Angels quest]

I emailed you!!;)

[Angels quest]

Hi there,
THANK YOU so much, your advice was a BIG help:)
See, I cant believe i was told the diabetes thing was just a rumour, as i had read it in several books. In the end I didn't know what to believe!:confused:

Sorry, I actually mean't that I haven't bought my little one's any of the commercial Hamster treats, as they contain Honey & mollasses etc...and no choccie drops etc. I have just bought them veggie type based treats. Trouble is, you are then pretty limited on what treats they can have & you feel mean! But better that, then helping towards them getting diabetes huh!:(
Is it only the Chinese Dwarf Hamsters that are prone to diabetes, do you know...or other Dwarf breeds too?

So far my Two boy's seem to do well together. of course I keep a very close eye on them & examine them daily for any signs of bites.They are so different in personality, Mr Jingles is slow & Cuddly, But Mr Bo Jangles is quicker & prefers a good run around in his ball (Jingles has no clue what to do in a hamster ball...Bless him!!)

I really appreciate all your help....and you have been a great help..Thank you!!

Hugs,
Mandy, Jingles & Jangles]