Attacking russians

Question
I am at my wits end i bought three female russian dwarf hamster(1 mum and 2 daughters. i have had to seperate mum from the two babise as she kept on attacking them, now the bigger of the two daughters has sereiously woulded the little one. so much so that the little one is obviously limping and is protective over the would. i need some advice as i do not know what to do next? beyond seperating the two daughters

Answer
Hi Elisabeth

I'm sorry to hear you are having problems with your hamsters.  Unfortunately they can sometimes turn on each other and the only option is to separate them.

Regarding the one who is hurt - the key thing is firstly to make sure that her wounds don't infect - you could try bathing any injury with warm salt water.  Alternatively, there is a cream you can buy in pet shops called Teatree cream and this is a natural antiseptic that is safe for animals.   If you can, it might be worth applying this.  If the wound looks to be infected and there is pus then she may need antibiotics.  If the injury is serious in that she can't walk properly and this doesn't improve, or there are circulatory issues, the vet may opt to amputate the limb.  Three legged hamsters are fine in captivity providing their surroundings are made easy for them and the wheel is removed to prevent repetitive exercise (hamster exercise balls are fine for a 3-legged hamster as they move in all directions).

If your hamster appears to be in pain, is looking dull or you are worried about the wound then it would be good to get a vet to check it out - they will probably prescribe antibiotics, and also an anti-inflammatory pain killer called Metacam.  This might make her feel more comfortable.

If you think she is Ok, just shocked, then it would probably be worth giving her some oral rehydration fluids for a day or two.  You can buy the packets in the chemist/supermarket - the type that is sold for humans - mix a sachet according to the instructions and feed her a little through a dropper, and also put it in her water bottle.  As she has been bitten she will have lost some fluids and I have found that hamsters/gerbils who are in this situation have responded well to this treatment.  It would be worth considering.

The problem with dwarf hamsters is that they are so small and they move very quickly, but I think it is important for you to try and examine the injury to assess how bad it is and if it needs veterinary intervention.  I have seen numerous hamsters with injuries before and providing they are kept clean they can make a full recovery.  However, if the bite is deep and the injury is not superficial, then a vet may need to intervene.

I hope this helps you and you get on OK.

Regards