Bobs thinning hair

Louby · 06-02-2008, 12:11 AM

We are worried about Bob.

Over the last week, the fur around his face has been looking thinner. The rest of him is the same as normal, so we are not sure if it is where he nibbles at the cage?

Could it be his age? (he was 1 yesterday) It just seems strange that it has only been happening for the last week. He has just got a Wodent Wheel after having a Comfort Wheel, so could it be where he is rubbing his face on the way in or out?

Here are some of the photos from his birthday, you can see the thinning there.

Should we take him to the vets for a checkover, or is this normal? I have never noticed it on any of my hamsters in the past, but it has been a few years since my last hamsters, so I can't be sure really.

Any advice welcome!

Thanks guys.

I_am_plankton · 06-02-2008, 01:53 AM

That is quite normal, Louby, I would say from him getting older

Bourne Valley Hams · 06-02-2008, 02:32 AM

Normally hair will start thinning on the haunches or the belly, not the face. So it doesn't look like normal old age thinning, and he is only a year so not really old!
Maybe he is rubbing it a bit.
With all my hams I add a sprinkle of debittered brewers yeast to their food a couple of times a week, more often if their fur is thinning in any way - I really find it makes a difference.

Louby · 06-02-2008, 02:39 AM

Thanks guys. Where can I get debittered brewers yeast BVH? I've never even heard of it, let alone seen it before!

Bourne Valley Hams · 06-02-2008, 02:45 AM

I get mine in Holland & Barrett - this stuff http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pag...ail.asp?pid=86

Louby · 06-02-2008, 03:00 AM

Brilliant, thankyou BVH, I will go and get some today.

How much do you give? Did you say a sprinkle?

I_am_plankton · 06-02-2008, 03:50 AM

You just need a small pinch over the food daily

When I had a thinning longhaired cream last year, it worked a treat on her scent glands

sthomas048 · 06-02-2008, 04:13 AM

Im quite fascinated by "natural remedies" for hamsters (and for people infact). Are there other things that you can buy from Holland & Barrett for other hamster conditions/ailments ? Out of curiousity. I guess they are a source for good healthy hamster foods too ?

Thanks.

Hamster Widow · 06-02-2008, 08:13 AM

Thanks BVH and IAP for that re-assurance.

I'm real glad that Bob won't need a comb-over