Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Both my daughters hamsters have died within 24 hours of each other. they were kept in separate cages in separate rooms. both were well cared for and properly fed with their cages cleaned and disinfected every week.
both were fit and active up to the day they died then within hours they became lethargic and very quickly became floppy and then rigid and died.
Any ideas please I don't want to buy them any other hamsters until we have an idea of what killed them. both my girls are very upset and it will help them greatly to know what has happened.
Thanks in anticipation

It could be a lot of things. Most hamsters don't live more than 4 years or so and they mature very quickly. My 8 month old long-hair is already at his full size, so it could have been age for them.

If you know they're ages and it wasn't that, then it could be something they contracted from another pet if you have one or even something they had from the store you bought them from which is what it's starting to sound like if the passed with hours of eachother. If one animal has a disease the others in the enclosure will get it too.

When you get your next hamsters, aim for smaller stores and try to avoid chains. I've found the Black Bear's to be a little more hardy and very friendly, look for bright eyes, clean noses and alertness. Ask if they're seen vets or have been treated for parasites or diseases. A varied diet of veggies, fruits, unseasoned chicken and the commercial hamster mix helps them get the nutrition they need. When cleaning I like to soak the drop pan in very hot water to disinfect with just a tiny bit of gentle soap as scents from cleaners can hurt their sensitive noses, even if you can't smell it..