How to tell if my hamster is having any health problems?

[melody5697]

I got my hamster back in October of 2012, and I'm kind of surprised he's still alive since I didn't take very good care of him for a while. I haven't hand tamed him because I was so afraid of getting bitten. He hasn't bitten me in a long time, possibly because I'm no longer keeping him in a Crittertrail cage. He doesn't mind taking food from my fingers, but then he usually goes behind his wheel or some other place where it's difficult to reach him. If I'm lucky he lets me pet him, but he won't let me pick him up (which makes it very difficult to get him out of his cage so I can clean it). Since he's so old, I'm worried that he might start having health problems. I haven't noticed anything unusual, but I don't know of a way to look more closely without picking him up. What should I do? And what in the world am I gonna do if I ever need to take him to the vet?

[Vodka_B]

If he doesn't let you pick him up, here's a trick I use on my ham

Place a small bowl or jar at an angle, and place some food/treats in the bottom. Once they're in, quickly pick up the jar. Whilst they are busy nomming away, you can do a quick examination. If you need to take your little one to the vet, transfer him from said jar/bowl into a carry case suitable for your hamster.

Make sure you tell your vet that the hamster may be unsocialised, so they can handle him without being bitten etc.

Hope this helps! It's great that he's lived so long and so healthily (by the sounds of things) so you must be doing something right and caring for him properly

Also, as long as he seems to be eating fine, running around and on his wheel, gnawing on things etc he should be considered healthy. They are quite robust little critters. He might slow down a bit but it's just him showing his age. Closer inspections can be done using the clear jar method if he doesn't let you pick him up

[melody5697]

Actually I've done that clear jar thing tons of times (a book I have about hamsters suggested it) and he won't go in there anymore.
He doesn't really eat very much. He always eats the veggies I give him, but he hardly touches his regular food. But he does run in his wheel. I'm not really sure if he chews on things or not. He doesn't appear to be chewing on his wooden chew toys, but I can't tell if he chews on the others or not.

[Vodka_B]

Have you got another clear jar that doesn't smell familiar? Perhaps it might be worth a try to get him to investigate! Definitely use his favourite treats though.

You could also use a toilet roll. Most hamsters can't resist one. Just support his butt and tilt the tube at an angle after he climbs in.

I'm not very good with hamster nutrition I'm afraid but I'm sure someone more experienced can assist you with your hamsters eating habits