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Old 08-15-2017, 06:00 PM   #1
Lizwig
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Default Old age in hamsters?

This is something I've been trying to read up on but never really getting a definitive answer on, so I thought I'd pose the question to you guys. What are the signs of an old syrian hamster?

I ask this as my Donny is coming up close to his second birthday in the next few months and at the moment I can see his lovely sable fur thinning and some of the saggier folds of his skin that are more exposed now along the sides of his belly and under his neck.

Activity wise he keeps to his regular routine of mooching around in his house and coming out to his wheel no and again, or coming to the top level and sitting in his hammock for a bit. (Or more recently trying to get out like a mad man to meet the woman folk.) But I noticed his weight has dropped a bit too even though he's just as lively as he's always been and eating food. I'm a little concerned since Ellie passed away due to an eating condition, I don't think I could handle it if it was going to be the same case with Donny.

I've also started to give a vitamin supplement in his water bottle to help keep his immune system up and going but mostly I just want a little confirmation on the process of old age for these little guys.

(P.S. It turns out that Leo isn't a boy and is a girl despite what the pets at home said. So I'm still living with a mad man of a hamster and a little miss excitable. As she and Donny were having a squeaking conversation the other day.)
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:24 PM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Old age in hamsters?

They all vary in how much & how soon they will show signs of old age but there are some general changes that are often seen.
They may become less active.
They often lose some weight, there is probably a little muscle loss with less activity which will account for some of that but they may just eat less too, it's important to check teeth regularly as they age, if they eat less teeth may not wear down as much as they should.
Even with normal eating & activity their bodies don't function as well so a little weight loss is nothing to worry about, keep a check on it though to be sure it isn't too great or fast a loss.
They often drink more & are more prone to kidney problems, cutting back on protein a bit can help with that.
Some thinning of the fur is common & skin can get a bit dry too, extra flax seeds & EPO can help keep them in better condition.
I think those are the main things to look out for.
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Old 08-16-2017, 05:16 AM   #3
flowerfairy
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Default Re: Old age in hamsters?

Aw I love those little squeaky noises hamsters make when they communicate with each other.

Hope he ages gracefully.
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