Health Care
To prevent disease, it is a good idea to put tetracycline in your hamster’s drinking water. Check your hamster daily for “wet tail”. This is the most common disease which will affect them. If not controlled, it will kill them. To check for “wet tail”, pick the animal up carefully and check for a wetness or running near the base of the tail. If wetness is present, it will remain wet until healed. Isolate the sick animal and check with your veterinarian for recommended treatments. Sanitation is the key to prevent the spreading of “wet tail” which is contagious.
Hamsters also may hibernate. This is induced by cool temperatures, short days, low light intensity and quietness. Hamsters are nocturnal.