I gave my Syrian avocado!

[badger1979]

Hello,
I am sorry to start a new thread in a panic mode. I will return and do a proper introduction with photos of our lovely Syrian girl hamster who is incredibly lovely, gentle, gorgeous and smart, and has an amazing home - thanks to this forum actually!

For now however, can I please ask for some advice. I gave Lucy, who is a circa 8 months Syrian, a small piece of avocado last night. I don't know what went wrong as I usually always check before giving her new food if it's safe. I only realised this morning it's bad / toxic for them. Lucy was actually still awake this morning when I rushed to her cage, sitting inside her log (she's not usually out in the mornings). I scooped her out she looked ok, gave her a piece of pear which she took and ate. She then went back in the cage and into the substrate, assume for some sleep and rest.

what should I do - I will be keeping an eye obviously. but any symptoms specifically, anything I should give to eat?

Has anyone given their hams avo by mistake and they were ok?

Thank you in advance!
Tanya

 

[badger1979]

Just to add I am now in touch with the vets just in case.

 

[Maz]

Hi. Sorry you didn't get a reply sooner Don't worry, it's probably fine. The avocado flesh itself isn't a problem - it's just the skin and stones - while a little bit might leach into the flesh if the piece of avocado is from the very edge near the skin or stone area (which is unlikely as those bits usually get cut off as darker), it is not toxic in itself.

Looking at our food article I maybe need to edit that to make it clear - it does say it's just the skin and stones that contain persin and not the flesh but doesn't give enough detail perhaps.

So she will be fine I am sure, but yes do check with your vet as well. If she is looking and behaving perfectly fine I wouldn't worry. Even if she had had a bit that included a bit of skin, the most that it is likely to cause is a digestive upset IMO and I don't think that will happen.

 

[badger1979]

That's a relief, Maz - thank you so much for your reply. It was a bit of a shock to read that about avocados for hamsters this morning, not one I would have associated with being bad for them (unlike onions and citrus!), but lesson learned - check and double check. Will be monitoring today and tomorrow but this is so reassuring to hear. Wishing you a lovely day

 

[Maz]

Yes she should be fine - I'll edit that wording in the article to be clearer