Hamster help?

Question

I have some experience w/ hamsters, but I am really not sure about a couple of things w/ this particular hamster. He has the most awful smell! We are now changing his cage at least 3 times a week. He has not always had such a strong odor, but now it is crazy intense! What can be the cause and is there anything we can do to cut down on the smell? I have had alot of hamsters as a child but this is very different. A overwelmingly musty odor. He has also become VERY lazy. When we first got him he would run on his wheel for hours now he has, at the most 30 minutes of activity. What is going on? Anything would be so helpful

Answer 1

We have 22 hamsters and a few have a similar odor you describe. Does it smell somewhat like strong urine? That's what mine smell like. Pet stores sell a product that you add to the water and it helps some. It's expensive, we paid $15 for the bottle. It's called BI-odor. Have you consulted a vet to make sure there's no infection. How old is your hamster, remember they only live 2-3 years, some more if lucky. Our hamsters got a pungent smell a few days before they died. The site below may be of some help, it has a section on health problems hamsters can have.

Answer 2

There are several things that come to my mind that you could be witnessing.

First, have you checked to see if your hamster has wet tail? Wet tail is not an actual illness in hamsters, but a symptom. Wet tail is the term for diarrhea in hamsters. A hamster with wet tail will have a strong odor but the smell is more on the "sweet" side than musky. Just pick your hamster up and look at his bottom. It will be obvious if he has wet tail.

The second thing that comes to mind is that he is actually a she. Female Syrians have a musky odor when they go into heat every 4-5 days. Some females have it all the time. I have never thought the odor to be strong enough to warrant any extra cage cleanings beyond the usual.

The third thing that comes to mind is that you could be smelling an infection. If he is a fairly new hamster, then he could have a bite wound somewhere you haven't noticed. If the wound is infected, it would smell though I don't think it would be as strong as you're describing.

The last thing that comes to mind is that he may have an illness or disease that is effecting his urine. This could be causing a different kind of odor from it.

If your he is still a he, then the odor is concerning and you will need to take him to a vet. I own over 100 Syrians at any one time and over the years that adds up to several hundred. I have never witnessed what you are describing.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 3

well an idea comes to mind. How old is your hamster?? if he is on the older side, then it could be a number things. I don't know if you ever notice that 'old' person funk, a part could be that. Also when you get older you have less badder control and tend to urinate more frequently. Another thought is a change in diet, have you done anything different to the food or treats that you have been giving him? well or her?? which is another area to cover, is if a boy or girl? is this the first hamster to be in this cage?? sometimes no matter how well you think you have cleaned something animal pheromones and scents can still be detected by other animals. If you have females in this cage and now a male, it could be a territorial thing or trying to attract to female he smells. A TON of different things could be happening. I would say, have patience, keep cleaning several times a week, and if you are really concerned perhaps a local vet would be willing to help you, it could very well be a case of drytail, which is serious. I hope i was able to help a little!! HUGS!!!

Answer 4

Definetly check for wettail - working at Pets at Home, I was trained on basicalyl everything there was to know on small animals - lol, and yoru little gusy showing to very definate signs of wet tail, is there liek a discharge under its belly? Has it stopped eating, n noticed it drinking ALOT? Take it to the vets. Any problems with any animal, alwasy take it to the vets, I don't understand why people ask these questions, sorry, but if theres somethign wrong, don't talk, take action!

Answer 5

When you clean out the cage wash it as well then try a mix of cedar and pine chips and as for the laziness I would suggest getting a female or a another male, even though they say that hamsters don't care for other hamster's my female is now very happy with her new male friend. You could also try changing the food you give him, and give him some fresh veggies and fruits once or twice a week to help clean out his digestive track.

Answer 6

OK when i frist read this I thought that maybe the hamster wasn't a boy but a pregnant girl. But idk. OK so aboutthe smell I had a hamster that died like 2 months ago and he had a horrible smell, to fix this I would go to the store and get the deoderizer that goes in their water. It reall worked for mine and it was harmless. Also try using a different shaving, it may not like the shavings you use. You could get a good smelling one or one that absorbs smells.

PS i hopethis works and you vote me best answer. HEHE

Answer 7

If its a female and you rub on her back and the smell gets worse, its a mating smell. Meaning she is getting ready for a male to come along and ....

My only other suggestion is to give it a bath next time you change their cage.

Answer 8

Have you checked his cage for diarrhea? That could make him smell and tucker him out.

Answer 9

he may be diseased......... and what type of bedding are you providing? i know different bedding last different time periods....try calling a vet....or searching the web under hamesters ....... good luck ........oh_hell

Answer 10

Are you giving him celery? Ours cannot digest it and it can be really smelly!