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Old 12-09-2011, 10:28 AM   #1
MismatchedMongrel
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Default Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

Hi everyone! I rescued a male Hamster about oh.. four months ago. I know he is old, although I couldn't tell you what his actual age is, I just know he was neglected and abused by kids. He's a bit feral still, I'm working with him super slowly. But I have never seen him use his cheek pouches to store food or move bedding around the cage or anything. He is super healthy and looks so much better than when I first got him but I am just wondering why he doesn't use them.
Any ideas?
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Old 12-09-2011, 10:30 AM   #2
StarlightSerenity
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

Could it be to do with the amount of food he's getting now compared to when he was in his old home?

In all honesty though, he could be using them and you've just not seen him do it.

Does he have a food store? Where does he keep his food? What about a nest? Does he have a nest box/house or an open nest?
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Old 12-09-2011, 09:24 PM   #3
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

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Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity View Post
Could it be to do with the amount of food he's getting now compared to when he was in his old home?

In all honesty though, he could be using them and you've just not seen him do it.

Does he have a food store? Where does he keep his food? What about a nest? Does he have a nest box/house or an open nest?
He's not using them, he doesn't move his food from the bowl. He doesn't keep the food in his nest and there is no food store. The food is littered all over his cage.
He was not well cared for at his old place. His cage was falling apart and he'd lost half his fur. It hasn't grown back completely, and probably never will, but he's happy and alert and healthy.
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Old 12-10-2011, 03:51 AM   #4
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

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Originally Posted by MismatchedMongrel View Post
He's not using them, he doesn't move his food from the bowl. He doesn't keep the food in his nest and there is no food store. The food is littered all over his cage.
He was not well cared for at his old place. His cage was falling apart and he'd lost half his fur. It hasn't grown back completely, and probably never will, but he's happy and alert and healthy.
My hamster on my avatar pic is exactly the same. I often wonder if he even has any pouches My other three hams all use their pouches though.
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Old 12-10-2011, 11:44 AM   #5
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

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Originally Posted by MismatchedMongrel View Post
He's not using them, he doesn't move his food from the bowl. He doesn't keep the food in his nest and there is no food store. The food is littered all over his cage.
He was not well cared for at his old place. His cage was falling apart and he'd lost half his fur. It hasn't grown back completely, and probably never will, but he's happy and alert and healthy.
I'm a bit confused by what you said here (I'm probably being a bit dim lol) - is his food in his bowl or littered around his cage? I can't see how it can be both, unless you scatter feed him and put food in his bowl.

He's probably just one of those hamsters who doesn't pouch food - unless there are other signs of illness or injury (in relation to his pouches) I really wouldnt worry. See if you can take a peek in his mouth when he yawns

It sounds as though you saved his life Well done for rescuing him and nursing him back to health, he's a lucky hamster to have been found by you
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Old 12-15-2011, 02:52 AM   #6
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

Quote:
Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity View Post
I'm a bit confused by what you said here (I'm probably being a bit dim lol) - is his food in his bowl or littered around his cage? I can't see how it can be both, unless you scatter feed him and put food in his bowl.

He's probably just one of those hamsters who doesn't pouch food - unless there are other signs of illness or injury (in relation to his pouches) I really wouldnt worry. See if you can take a peek in his mouth when he yawns

It sounds as though you saved his life Well done for rescuing him and nursing him back to health, he's a lucky hamster to have been found by you
<3. He carries the food all over his cage in his mouth, so there is stuff scattered all over the place. However, I feed him in a ceramic bowl. He's such a cute hammie <3. >> Little sucker can bite though, I think I surprised him a few weeks ago and he bit my finger ><
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Old 12-16-2011, 08:38 AM   #7
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

Heya!
My Ham here doesn't really use his cheek pouch all that much either. He's about 17-18 months old. He used to use it much more when he was younger, storing nuts and seeds galore. But as he grew older, it was as if he felt secure that regardless, he'll always have food and there was no need to store food in the pouch. As you said, similarly, Ham carries it in his mouth to his nest. The nest would have a few nuts, seeds, maybe a cauliflower and he's good to go for a nap!

I would not worry too much - as long as he's happy, eating healthy!

Kudos to you really, for rescuing him! Is he in any of the pictures at your siggy?
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Old 12-16-2011, 09:56 PM   #8
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Default Re: Elderly ham not using cheek pouches

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Heya!
My Ham here doesn't really use his cheek pouch all that much either. He's about 17-18 months old. He used to use it much more when he was younger, storing nuts and seeds galore. But as he grew older, it was as if he felt secure that regardless, he'll always have food and there was no need to store food in the pouch. As you said, similarly, Ham carries it in his mouth to his nest. The nest would have a few nuts, seeds, maybe a cauliflower and he's good to go for a nap!

I would not worry too much - as long as he's happy, eating healthy!

Kudos to you really, for rescuing him! Is he in any of the pictures at your siggy?
The only male Einstein.
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