Why Does My Dwarf Hamster Have Red Eyes?


albino hamster eating carrot while her owner wonders "Why Does My Dwarf Hamster Have Red Eyes?"

A first-time encounter with a red-eyed hamster can trigger a lot of questions because many of us are used to these little pets having black or brown eyes.

The idea of a hamster with red eyes may seem strange or even scary for many of us. It is only natural that we begin to wonder about the reasons behind the distinctive eye color and whether they belong with us and can be raised successfully like other hamsters.

Why does my dwarf hamster have red eyes? Red eyes in hamsters are caused by albinism, a lack of melanin pigmentation resulting in the eyes becoming red instead of black or brown. Conjunctivitis, allergies from cage irritants such as dusty bedding, and physical injuries from fights may also result in red-eyed hamsters.

Red eyes caused by physical injuries, irritants, or conjunctivitis are often temporary. The redness clears up once the hamster receives the right veterinary care, returning to black, brown, or whatever the original color was.

Why Does My Dwarf Hamster Have Red Eyes?

Many of us may find red-eyed hamsters strange because they can feel exotic compared to those with common eye colors. However, red-eyed hamsters are no different from black or brown-eyed hammies of the same breed and exhibit the same characteristics.

Here are the main reasons why your hamster may be red-eyed instead of black or brown.

Albinism

Albino hamsters are typically born with red eyes so if a hammy in a pet shop or animal charity has this physical characteristic, chances are it is an albino. Albinism is caused by a mutation of the gene that controls the coloring of the eyes. 

This results in hamsters with pink or red-colored eyes and often white fur. However, albino hamsters may also have other interesting fur color combinations such as grey, brown, and even beige. 

Albinism is common in Syrians, Dwarfs, Russians, and Winter White breeds. While hamsters may not have the best vision naturally, the lack of melanin in the eyes of albino hamsters means excessive amounts of light enter the eyes directly. This often puts a further dent in their ability to see. 

No wonder albino hamsters are rare in the wild as their vision problems and pale skins usually make them easy targets for predators. Albinism typically affects both eyes in hamsters but there are instances when only one eye appears red. The second eye may be black or brown.

Breeders in your city may be your best shot for getting albino red-eyed hamsters as they’re not often popular in pet stores.

Conjunctivitis 

eye drops for clearing conjunctivitis-induced red eyes in hamsters

Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyeball is another leading cause of red eyes in hamsters. These amazing furballs may be exposed to bacteria or viral infections that can cause significant redness in the eyes.

Apart from the red eyes, other signs of conjunctivitis in hamsters include: 

  • Itching 
  • Sticky eyelids 
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Eye discharge 

A quick visit to your vet is recommended if you suspect that your hamster is suffering from the condition. The vet will likely prescribe oral antibiotics and antibiotic eye drops for the treatment of the condition after cleaning the affected area with mild saline eyewash.

Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious so isolation of the affected hamster may be vital if you keep multiple ones in the same cage or tank.

Eye Irritation 

Sometimes, a hamster may suffer red eyes due to simple irritation. Bedding materials can be dusty, exposing the hammy’s eyes to dust particles that can cause severe forms of irritation. This is common in hamster cages and tanks that are not cleaned regularly. 

Also, If your hamster is allowed lots of free-range roaming at home, he can easily get exposed to dust particles that may cause eye irritation.

Physical Injuries & Illness

Physical injuries from fighting may trigger red eyes in hamsters. While multiple Dwarf hamsters may live peacefully in one cage, pairing 2 or more Syrians in a single cage can be disastrous.

Some hamsters develop red eyes during old age as a sign of illness. These creatures do not have the longest lifespans and become prone to numerous diseases as they age.

If your hamster’s demeanor looks different coupled with sudden red eyes, chances are he’s battling one illness or another. A quick visit to your vet can help clear up any existing conditions so the right treatment can be formulated. 

Blindness

Red eyes can be a sign of blindness in hamsters. However, not all red-eyed hamsters are blind although these cute animals generally have poor eyesight which deteriorates further as they age.

Diagnosing blindness in your hamster can be extremely difficult. The most common sign of blindness in hamsters is extreme clumsiness. If your hamster is falling off or running into his toys and other components of his cage, chances are blindness is setting in.

While all hamsters are born blind, they normally gain their sight after a few days. However, a few newborns never gain any form of sight and remain blind for the rest of their lives. Hamsters are also largely color-blind making it difficult to detect most shades of color.

What Are the Other Types of Hamster Eye Colors?

Hamster eyes may come in different colors depending on the breed as well as genetics and other individual circumstances. The most common colors available include:

  • Black
  • Black with a red tint
  • Brown
  • Blue
  • Ruby
  • Heterochromia 

Hamsters of all eye colors eat the same food and have similar care requirements. Do not be spooked if you end up with one that has a distinctive eye or fur color. They’re pretty normal and deserve the same amount of love and care as other hamsters.

Are Hamsters with Red Eyes Evil? 

Red-eyed hamsters are not evil in any shape or form. Their unpopular eye color is often a result of genetic mutations or other factors such as illness, conjunctivitis, or eye injuries. This does not make these hamsters evil.

Hamsters are sweet pocket pets humans can’t help but fall for and the color of their eyes does not affect their physical characteristics in any way. If you’ve met a red-eyed Dwarf or Syrian hamster, do not let these unfounded fears stop you from buying or adopting him.

Albino hamsters need as much love as others and bringing them home will only be a blessing.

Do All White Hamsters Have Red Eyes?

Albino hamsters typically have white hair with red eyes. However, many breeds of hamsters with normal eye colors such as Brown or Black may also have white fur. The presence of white fur in a hammy does not automatically indicate albinism or its signature red eyes.

Also, there are many instances of albino hamsters born with fur colors other than white. Assuming every white-furred hamster is an albino may be a mistake.

Are Albino Hamster’s Rare?

Albino hamsters are rare because albinism is a rare genetic mutation in animals and hamsters are no different. Even in humans, albinism occurs in 1 in 17,000-20,000 people. 

Albinism is even rarer in hamsters because albino hammies are almost non-existent in the wild. With their often poor vision and white fur, hamsters born with albinism stand out easily making them a target for much larger predators.

Since the genetic mutation that causes albinism has to be prevalent in at least one parent, the chances of finding an albino hamster, especially in pet store chains is almost non–existent.

Conclusion 

If a Dwarf, Syrian, or Russian hamster has red eyes, there’s a good chance of albinism. The red-eye may also be caused by infections such as conjunctivitis and physical injuries from fights with other hamsters.

Albino hamsters of different breeds display similar characteristics such as even poorer eye sights (by hamster standards) as well as predominantly white furs. However, some albino hamsters may also have different fur color combinations.

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