Signs of old age in hamsters??

[Leesha]

Over the past few weeks Hammy has got a lot more 'frail' she is a lot more welcoming of hands in the ZZ and sits contently for strokes but I don't want to put her in the ball or playpen because she just sits there

Her fur is straggly and she is struggling to climb things and most of the time fall off things face first rather than flipping over so I have taken all of the climbing and tall toys out so she has her wheel, the toilet tubes and the little houses she has. She usually comes out and sits in the wheel before running (jogging really) a little bit then has a drink and food then goes back to sleep

She is about 16 months + now. Is that why?? Is she just getting old?

[fluffymunchkins]

16 months isn't particularly old for a hamster, though she is at a mature age, so I would expect she could be less active for that reason.
Hamsters do all age differently though, but I wouldn't rule out illness at her age x

[Leesha]

Originally Posted by fluffymunchkins

16 months isn't particularly old for a hamster, though she is at a mature age, so I would expect she could be less active for that reason.
Hamsters do all age differently though, but I wouldn't rule out illness at her age x

Thank you, yeah she has just slowed down loads. Lost a bit of weight but not anything to worry about because feeling her she isn't 'boney' and seems to have put weight on again the past week. Just odd to see her change so quickly too. I'll keep a closer eye on her in case she seems totally out of character in case we need the vet, she still moves like she's missing a train lol x