Signs of old age?

Lexieshamster · 09-11-2015, 03:44 PM

Hi all,

My Nevie-Noo for the first time ever showed signs of indifference about coming out for play time a few days ago. He usually gets all excited as soon as I approach his cage and talk to him. But this time instead of running up to his second level and climbing into my chest he just yawned and went back to bed. After the third chance I gave him for playtime he climbed out onto my chest and free-ranged with lots of rest breaks.

I was concerned he may be ill as he's normally very active outside his cage but the next night he was his usual self.

The following night yesterday) he did something he's never done before. He came straight out of his cage as usual and I let him free-range in my bedroom. I put on some classical music and he stopped near me and sat down and it was like he was listening to the music and it was putting him to sleep. I could see his head lolling and he was struggling to keep his eyes open, then he lay down in the floor for five minutes with his eyes half shut before coming to his senses and then he was off exploring again. It was very cute.

He's just turned 18 months old. Are these signs of aging?

velma · 09-12-2015, 03:36 PM

How has he been today? It could be the change of weather affecting him. It has turned chilly this week. I'll let someone more knowledgable answer the aging question.

Lexieshamster · 09-12-2015, 11:04 PM

Thanks Velma for your reply. He was pretty much his usual self this evening. I got him out later than usual as we had a guest and he did his usual trick of doing a little bit of token bar chewing to show his displeasure and remind me he was waiting for play time.

It has turned cold recently. But the temperature inside our house is pretty constant so I don't think its that.

I think it must be old age. He just seems to be more tired and placid. I know he's not sick so it makes sense really. On one of Erin's Hamsters videos she says you'll notice signs of aging once they turn 18 months old. I still didn't expect it to be so dramatic though and wondered if anyone else has noticed the same thing with their hamsters.