syrian runt

Question
I have a litter or Syrian hamsters about 5 weeks old. The runt is almost half the size of all the rest. I have separated her and she eats and drinks well. She is very active, She just doesn't seem to be growing much, she has grown hair she just is not getting much bigger in size although she eats fine. Have you ever had a runt that remained allot smaller then the rest of the litter?

Answer
Hi Rebecca

The runt often remains smaller than the rest of the litter - sometimes they remain smaller all their life.  However, you can give her extra nourishment for a week or two by giving her human baby food.  The best type is the powdered (creamy porridge oats).  Mix a little with water (not milk as this can cause diarrhea).  She can have this daily for a couple of weeks, but also let her have her usual hamster mix and fresh vegetables.  If you feed soft food too often the hamster becomes lazy with their eating and their teeth sometimes over grow, but in the short term or when they are ill, this is fine.  

If I'm keeping a baby hamster, I always choose the runt - they seem to have a real spirit possibly because they have had to fight to survive and I find their personality is often better than the others in the litter.

Hope this helps
Regards