hair loss in baby hamsters

Question
hi we have 6 4 week old what we believe to be russian hamsters and over the past week have noticed that 2 have lost there hair completely and 1 is becoming very thin can you guide us into what we should do as we would hate them to die.  

Answer
Hi, this is very common in young russian hamsters, I had a batch of 10 do it a few months back.

I suggest that you get a very shallow, even bowl (like a rubbermade type bowl), and add about an inch to two inches of chinchilla dust to it. Leave it in there for a couple of days to allow the hamsters to roll around in it. If they refuse, then rub some of the dust on them twice a day for 4 to 5 days. This should solve the problem.

To be honest, I'm not sure of the exact cause or nature of the hair loss, but a vet recommended that I do this with my hamsters, and it worked like a charm. Good luck!