Dwarf hamsters

[Trinity]

I just got 2 female dwarf hamsters on Thursday. But one will, for hours, run around the cage. She'll run for about 2 hours, stop, drink, eat, then continue running. Do you think that's normal behavior? I take them out whenever I get the chance, always with gloves on because she bites. But I don't know if Waffles running is a bad thing or not. The other one, Gypsy, will follow her for about 15 minutes then go to sleep. But, Waffles tends to step on Gypsy while she's sleeping and Gypsy gets mad. I'm worried they're gonna start fighting one day. And my daughter is terrified to go near either of them, because when I wasn't in my room one day, she snuck into my room and tried to pick up Waffles and Waffles bit her. Gypsy doesn't bite anymore. She's used to me holding her and everything, but I worry about Waffles.

[Chilly Girl]

I had a mouse like this, once, and it was because of a brain disorder. It is also possible that she coud have an ear infection, if her head is tilted sideways when she runs. If she will only run in one direction, it is possible that the ear on the inside of the circle she runs is infected. It is also possible that the one side of the brain won't function properly. You should ge a vet to look at her, if possible. I took my mouse in and it only cost $20 for the visit.
Hope this helped,

Chilly.

[Moonsky-of-Thunderclan]

I have a male dwarf hamster named cookie he is white with black speck's with one black stripe going down the center of it's back. when I first got cookie he bit a little soon he got used to it. when my brother got a hamster named skittles they were okat (it was a teddybesr hamster) and then one day it attacked my poor cookie!!! his ear got infected and evenually he scratched the infected part off....as for your hamster it is normal for a hamster to run alot, my other hamster carmel, ryliegh's hamster's sister, always run's around the cage. she'll look at me then run under the wheel, take some food, then look at me again, then she'll repeat like 10 times!!! If you dont have a wheel I advise you get one....hope this help's...

my moto for the week....sky's the limit!!

[Trinity]

I just realized that Waffles is definately pregnant! That explains her rapid weight gain, swollen nipples, and biting. She's been making nests all over the cage and I think she's definately going to give birth this weekend.

[Charlie1]

Well, I was about to say that because maybe it is stress. But she is looking for a right nesting area plus she still needs to get settled. Just give her some space for now. Usually, dwarf hamsters do bite more than syrian, that's why syrians are the more popular type. But anyways, good luck and I hope you already know what to do when she has the babies. First of all, NEVER touch them for the first few weeks. This is because if you do, you'll have human scent and then she'll toss that baby aside or worse, eat it. But I wish you the best of luck!

[Trinity]

Waffles hasn't had the babies yet. I decided not to seperate the 2 of them until I know the babies are coming soon. I'm thinking I still have a couple days. Here's a pic of them:



The one with red eyes is Waffles.

[Moonsky-of-Thunderclan]

the one with the black stripe looks like cookie, the hamster I was talking about!! I give the best of luck to you and your hamsters!! but one ques., are you keeping the baby hamsters?

[Trinity]

I have homes lined up for 5, i'm keeping 2, and i'm giving the rest to the pet store I got Gypsey and Waffles from. I already asked them and they said they'd take all the extras.

[Chilly Girl]

Oh! Please post a picture of the babies once born! =D

[Chef33]

wow so cute. are the babies born yet?

i was just wondering are you keeping the babies in with both gypsey and waffles? or will you be moving gypsey into a temporary tank?

[Trinity]

The babies aren't born yet, and I have already moved Gypsey.

[Moonsky-of-Thunderclan]

that's probably the good thing to do, and I suggest you don't touch the babies or the mom might kill them...gross. But i'm very happy for you!!! moonsky out