possible sick hamster?

[kfletch00]

My daughter's hamster kept its eyes closed for part of the day one day, then when it opened them, its hair on its head looked damp. We have found it sleeping in the food bowl, exercise wheel, and even in the litter box. It has never done this before. Could something be wrong (my daughter is very concerned) or is this normal? It seemed to open its eyes fine today, but kind of kept them closed while eating. It also snuggled in the corner in the cotton bedding stuff today. Maybe we are just being paranoid, but I promised my daughter I would see what I could find out. Thank you for any input you may be able to share.

[SapphireWolf]

If you are truly concerned, take the hamster to the vet.That would probably be your best bet.

[Tumbledown]

I agree take it to the vet,sounds like it is sickly.

[JustinQM]

I'm not sure how your hamster is doing now, but I read you use cotton bed stuff for her. Cotton bed stuff you buy in the petstore is NOT safe, Even though they claim it is on the package. There has been numerous deaths and injury reported by those who bought the cotton bed for their hamster. They can ingest the cotton and it leads to intenstinal blockage. They also can get their feet tangled in the fibers and injure their feet. I just recently read an article on this. There is a movement trying to stop the sale of this product.
Justin

[MouseCapade]

Yea it's not usual that a hamster will sleep in it's litter , and bowl area. It sounds to me like there may be something wrong with your little one. You should take it to see a exotic vet as soon as possible or you may lose your hammy. I wish you the best!!!

[Zouave]

My daughter's hamster kept its eyes closed for part of the day one day, then when it opened them, its hair on its head looked damp. We have found it sleeping in the food bowl, exercise wheel, and even in the litter box. It has never done this before. Could something be wrong (my daughter is very concerned) or is this normal? It seemed to open its eyes fine today, but kind of kept them closed while eating. It also snuggled in the corner in the cotton bedding stuff today. Maybe we are just being paranoid, but I promised my daughter I would see what I could find out. Thank you for any input you may be able to share.

If those are the ONLY symptoms it does not seem normal. Sleeping in a food bowl especially seems abnormal.

At least call the vet's office and tell them your problem, and ask the vet to call you back when he has time. Most will do this.

If the hamster shows signs of labored or noisy breathing it needs anti-biotics fast.

[ssmissy]

That cotton bed stuff isn't safe, but I don't think that's the reason. Take him to the vet and see. Smokey (My hamm) would kepp his eyes closed. He had some thing stuck in his eyes and now has eye problems every once and awhile. For every simton think of what sickness he could have. And do take out the cotton beeding! :agree: An eye problem could be caused by dust or bedding. I have read that bathing the eye twice a day with boric acid solution in boiling water than cooling it will solve mose eye problems. :kaioken: