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05-09-2015, 07:52 PM
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#1
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I LOVE FURBABIES
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 3,043
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Exercise?
Hi HC
I've not had a hamster live past 15 months old. I have an Syrian ham, that's about 16 months old, and has slowed down (in speed) and sleeps a lot more, now.
I have her housed in a 55 gallon tank, which has 2 ledges, and a wodent wheel, and sand area.
I was wondering for those that have had hamsters at this age or older, do they need play pen, play time? My hamster, hardly runs much on her wheel, ( more like a trot) than run, and I've watched her, in her cage, and she seems to be content sitting on her ledge, than running around.
Out of cage time, for her, basically I hold her, and she walks on me, or I block off an area on the rug, and she hangs out, walks around, but doesn't run about. I include toys, but she prefers to groom, and sit around verses, run around.
I don't want to cause her to get overly tired, or stress on her, due to her activity level, has decreased considerably.
I also have her tank connected to a huge double Critter nations cage. I've been thinking of disconnecting her access to the Critter Nations cage, but not sure if I'm jumping the gun?
I've noticed she can still climb through the tubes, however, she takes rest stops, while in the tubes.:/. Also, she doesn't climb to the Critter Nations Cage, very often, now. As of a month ago, it was pretty much a nightly trip.
She's also, gained a bit of weight- she was at a steady 214 grams, and is now at 224grams. The weight gain, within past month. Nothing's changed in her diet, other than I'm adding a bit more fiber, and decreased protein to 15%. I think, the weight gain is due to she's slowed down on running on her wheel, and running around.
Grooming, eating, drinking, seems fine, and she's still using her toilet, to wee in.
It appears she's drinking a little more water, these days, and not eating as much as she normally eats.
I'm not sure of what type of changes I can do for her, so she's as comfortable, and as happy as possible.
Your Experience, advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Teddy001; 05-09-2015 at 08:39 PM.
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05-11-2015, 07:40 AM
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#2
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Hamster Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Posts: 15,575
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Re: Exercise?
Your hammy is slowing down due to getting older, this happens a lot and it's perfectly normal, my eldest tends to sleep more and eat more. He does still go on his wheel but nothing like before.
Your hams weight gain could be down to her not exercising, she's grooming, eating and drinking fine. Give her some extra bedding.
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05-11-2015, 07:36 PM
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#3
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I LOVE FURBABIES
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 3,043
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Re: Exercise?
Thank you, Lizzy.
I've detached the Critter Nation cage access- she's def slowed down a lot from a few months ago.
Some days/nights I only see her when she comes out to eat and drink- it seems like she sleeps a lot, lot.. When she does come out to sit on the ledge, and I take her out of her cage, simply a little walk around on my arms seems to wipe her out, due to she goes directly to her nest when I put her back in her cage.
I'll add more bedding to keep her warm. I'm monitoring the temp in her cage, as well- which stays a steady 74-75 degrees.
Thanks, again- this transition for Teddie, I'm open to learn about caring for an elderly/aging hamster.
Last edited by Teddy001; 05-11-2015 at 07:41 PM.
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05-12-2015, 12:26 AM
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#4
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Hamster Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Posts: 15,575
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Re: Exercise?
My eldest ham Archie is happy with a little walk along my sofa and cuddles. And the nests he makes with all the extra bedding I give him have been amazing!
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