My hamsters are in bad shape.

Question
Hello. Recently we moved my male hamsters into a new, larger cage. After a few days, they all seemed to be very wet and grew much more aggressive than they tend to be. This also happend when we moved the females in weeks earlier. I have the suspicion that it is becuase the water bottle is dripping on them. This afternoon I moved them all into a temporary cage untill I fixed the other one, and I noticed on small one, is very thin, wet, his eyes her clamped shut, and he didn't want to move. I'm afraid he, and the others are growing steadily ill and I really don't know what to do. I only want what is best for all of them. If you can help me on this thank you so much.

Answer
hello wynne,

it sounds like your hamsters have either 'wet tail' or a cold, both of which are contagious and lethal if left untreated. the smaller one probably got it first. they must be taken to the vets immediately and put on antibiotics.

bearing in mind that hamsters are territorial and are probably being aggressive because they are fighting over the new space and if they are ill, they will be very short tempered with one another. also what kind of hamsters are they? are they older? if so syrian hamsters dont really like to be together when they get older. this shouldnt be a problem if they are a dwarf breed.

either way, clean them out once every 2 days, wash your hands before and after handling them, and please please see a vet. but you should prepare yourself for the worst with the little one. i dont think she will survive.

im sorry to hear your hamsters are ill, and i cant stress the importance of getting them straight to the vets over the next day or too, clean them out while the are there, with anti bacterial fluid for small animal cages to avoid reinfection. tell the vets you think they have a cold or wet tail and he will most likely tell you to bring them in straight away. thank you for your question, and please let me know how you got on.

joanne xx