7 replies to this topic

[thatrobohammy]

Hi, I just adopted a robo hamster yesterday, and when I went to let him climb out of his carrier I accidentally brushed up to him and he bolted to the other side of his enclosure. I remember seeing people say not to touch your new hamster as it could stress them out and lead to wet tail, so I was wondering if he could get wet tail from this? He drank some water but I am still worried because I know how severe wet tail is and it's hard to tell if he has eaten/ran on his wheel. He is rolling in his sand bath which I heard was a good sign but I'm still kinda stressed. Thanks in advance.

Edited by thatrobohammy, 01 August 2022 - 05:21 AM.

[Kikya]

He's alright =) He just got a little spook but it's nothing major. I am sure he's enjoying himself in the sand bath and I would just give him a couple of days to get settled in. Whenever you have a new hamster, it's not hard to make them jump just by changing the water or something like that. That won't give them wet tail. It's more like a chronic stress issue like sharing a cage with multiple hamsters, really small cages with no bedding depth, and having a dirty cage that causes things like wet tail.

[imhungry]

Hi, I just adopted a robo hamster yesterday, and when I went to let him climb out of his carrier I accidentally brushed up to him and he bolted to the other side of his enclosure. I remember seeing people say not to touch your new hamster as it could stress them out and lead to wet tail, so I was wondering if he could get wet tail from this? He drank some water but I am still worried because I know how severe wet tail is and it's hard to tell if he has eaten/ran on his wheel. He is rolling in his sand bath which I heard was a good sign but I'm still kinda stressed. Thanks in advance.

Hi! Your ham is safe from wet tail! Wet tail only affects young Syrians.

 

I agree with Kikya, let him settle in for a few days or until he is showing signs of being comfortable with his new environment. With the bonding process, take it slow. Robos are known for their timid behavior so patience is key! 

[lil BIG dwarf]

Wet tail is an illness that is passed from hamster to hamster, and not the same as diarrhea. Only Syrians who are young (and often stressed out, as that lowers their immune system) can get it. Accidentally touching your hamster wont give them wet tail. I agree with the others that giving him some time to settle in will help!

[Kikya]

I made a few videos on how I tamed my Robo. LBD is right, patience is key. =)

 

[Robin~]

Wet tail is an illness that is passed from hamster to hamster, and not the same as diarrhea. Only Syrians who are young (and often stressed out, as that lowers their immune system) can get it. Accidentally touching your hamster wont give them wet tail. I agree with the others that giving him some time to settle in will help!

 

To add to this, the bacteria that causes wet tail is always inside only syrian hamsters and problems only begin to arise when the immune system is compromised (often by stress). Like LBD said, being stressed can weaken the immune system, which allows the bacteria the chance to take over the gut and cause issues.

 

So, don't stress over wet tail (it honestly isn't that common unless you're doing something seriously wrong anyways, and, again, it's only in syrians) and one little brush against your hamster shouldn't cause anything long term. Robos tend to be relatively skittish anyways and what you saw as him being terrified was probably just a normal reaction.

[Kikya]

To add to this, the bacteria that causes wet tail is always inside only syrian hamsters and problems only begin to arise when the immune system is compromised (often by stress). Like LBD said, being stressed can weaken the immune system, which allows the bacteria the chance to take over the gut and cause issues.

 

So, don't stress over wet tail (it honestly isn't that common unless you're doing something seriously wrong anyways, and, again, it's only in syrians) and one little brush against your hamster shouldn't cause anything long term. Robos tend to be relatively skittish anyways and what you saw as him being terrified was probably just a normal reaction.

While proliferative ileitis is only known to effect Syrians at the moment. There are other immune/stress related issues that can affect dwarf and robo hamsters. If overly stressed, the immune system is suppressed and any manner of disease can creep in. Demodex mites, hormone imbalances, digestive upset, etc especially when combined with unsanitary conditions from a pet mill or similar.

 

That being said, Ms. Robo, you don't have anything to worry about a small interaction. =) My robo will actively crawl into my hand but still may get spooked if I accidentally move too quick in the cage. I use a soft calm voice whenever I interact with her to reassure her that good things are coming. =)

[Robin~]

While proliferative ileitis is only known to effect Syrians at the moment. There are other immune/stress related issues that can affect dwarf and robo hamsters. If overly stressed, the immune system is suppressed and any manner of disease can creep in. Demodex mites, hormone imbalances, digestive upset, etc especially when combined with unsanitary conditions from a pet mill or similar.

 

Absolutely. I was just clarifying wet tail is only prevalent in syrians. I can tell from personal experience just being a human and all stress isn't great for your physical health haha.