distressed hamster

Question
Hi, I got a hamster yesterday, and when i got home i removed her from the carrying box into a small holding cage so that i could put her new home together. My initial thought was that she would be happier in the little cage with food and water instead of the dark box, but now i realize that it was too much all at once. the holding cage is plastic with a wire top similiar to that of a bird cage. She was already so upset from being in the box that she climbed onto the top and grabbed the wire with her teeth, she appeared to slip and fall and im not sure if she caught her teeth on the wire or what happened exactly but then she had blood all over her face, and of course was even more upset and started making what sounds like a sneezing noise and shaking. i called a vet and they said she should be fine once the bleeding stops and she just needs to be monitored, and she did calm down and cleaned herself up pretty good but shes still sneezing occasionally and has burrowed herself into a corner and wont move for over 24 hours except to occasionally clean her face some more. i figure she is in shock but im worried about her not eating, and dont know if she is in pain, also her eyes are watery. im mostly leaving her alone because i want to let her get used to her home but im afraid she is overly traumatized. can anyone suggest if there is anything i can do for her without making it worse or should i just leave her alone? also i should note that when i picked her up at the store she was super spunky and curious and had no signs of being sick.

Answer

    It sounds like she might have hurt her teeth. That would be why she wouldn't want to eat. I know she isn't quite tame enough yet, but try feeding her little bits of bread, that might help her get some nutrition and its soft. It also sounds like she might have a cold, that would be brought on by the shock and stress. Try to encourage her to eat some bread, and when she heals up make sure to keep a clost eye on her.


Thanks for writing