i want to try and save it, i'm keeping it warm in a pouch i crocheted. i bought some kitten milk, and a tiny syringe. is there anything else i can feed it or do to help it stay alive?
2006-12-10 14:33:11 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
sounds like your doing a good job, just make sure that he is warm at all times and you should probably put a tiny blanket or cloth between the pouch and the hamster since he will go to the bathroom and you will need to change the blanket or cloth and also just clean him off a little bit- don't use water or anything just wipe him
2006-12-10 14:37:33 · answer #1 · answered by Amy S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are definately fighting a losing battle...However, if you really want to give it a try, here are some more suggestions...
First, you want to keep it really warm. Being only in the pouch will mostly likely not be enough. Keep it in a pouch and try to put some sort of heat lamp/normal lamp a fair distance above it(check every few minutes on the temperature until you find the most comfortable distance and temperature where the temp will stay constant). You might need to put an extra box or something between the pouch and light, so that you are warming up the inside of the box.
Second, the kitten milk will do. If it grows bigger, you can try to add some bran or crushed oats to the milk.
Third: After feeding, mothers continuously rub/lick the baby's bellies to stimulate the babys to expell their wastes. If you don't do this, the belly will become bloated, and it will die. Just rub the belly gently with your finger. Don't forget that these babies feed continuously, so you will have to feed it very often.
I think that should cover it...But I have yet to hear about anyone raising a baby(without fur) successfully. So Good luck!
2006-12-10 23:37:43 · answer #2 · answered by Vaynthe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the hamster doesn't have all it's fur and open eyes and ears, you may be fighting a losing battle. If an animal rejects a baby, it usually means the baby is not fit to survive. If the animal is old enough to have open eyes and ears, and be moving around, you may still be able to save it- call a vet and find out what you should be feeding it. I'm not sure if the kitten milk will have the right nutrients in it, as kittens are carnivores and hamsters are not.
2006-12-10 22:42:04 · answer #3 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're dealing with a runt, but you could save it, but I would speak to a vet about the chances of a runt surviving without it's mother's milk. Most runts don't live because many of them are usually born with a problem of some sort that poses an issue to their quality of life. If all options have failed you have no choice, but to allow the vet to humanely euthanize the hamster.
2006-12-10 23:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by nabdullah2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the mother rejected it, it will probably die anyway. The mother would only leave it to die if something were wrong with it. However, you can always call your local vet, they would be the best to ask.
2006-12-10 23:42:03 · answer #5 · answered by Jinny E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand that you want to do your best, but usually the mother has rejected the baby for a reason. That means it isn't likely to survive long.
2006-12-10 23:08:18 · answer #6 · answered by missyscove 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋