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Old 07-18-2018, 02:52 PM   #1
Deanna
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Default older hamster

so Humphrey is getting on a bit now and has started losing weight so I've started feeding him baby food, I just wondered is there anything else I can do for the old man? to make him comfy in his retirement castle (I have a large living world eco habitat)
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:00 PM   #2
Sasha04
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Default Re: older hamster

Im sorry that Humphrey is starting to age, it always so hard. I would suggest moving the water and food close to his nest so he doesn’t have to move a lot to get it. Also make sure that their is nothing he could fall off of.
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:26 PM   #3
Deanna
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Default Re: older hamster

thank you for your response I will do so tomorrow
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Old 07-18-2018, 10:40 PM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: older hamster

Moving things so everything is easy to access is a good idea when they get older, if he's losing weight porridge is a really good supplement too, as long as he's still able to eat hard foods you can also give small pieces of nut & hemp seeds but not too much as it's not advisable to give too much protein when they're older.
A few extra flax seeds are good for helping to keep skin & fur in good condition as well as also helping to maintain weight.
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Last edited by cypher; 07-18-2018 at 11:02 PM.
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Old 07-19-2018, 01:18 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: older hamster

Also let him eat anything he likes really. It's still important to put out dry hamster mix as well as he may eat a bit and it'll help stop his teeth getting too long - also they still like to continue with the habit of pouching it and hoarding it.

Avoid clean outs and disturbing him too much - spot clean if necessary but I'd leave it as long as possible and be minimal about it.

Sometimes they still have the spirit to feel young even when tired and can still enjoy the odd new toy. I added a hammock low down and a large cork log when our last syrian was getting older and having difficulty walking and he really enjoyed them. As you have a tank style a hammock may be tricky but maybe a new hide or cork log for interest (coconut hide maybe?). I also put one of those hyacinth balls in and used to stick pumpkin seeds under the folds every few days and he enjoyed trying to get those out.

And just lots of love and cuddles. I'm sure your set up is fine for an older hamster anyway as probably mostly on one level but have added a video I did when our hamster was getting old in case there are any ideas there. My main concern was that when removing levels, he might feel a bit exposed which is why I added the large cork log and more floor toys so he had more things to sit under and climb over. The cork log is a nice low climb

The first one was a lowered set up while he was still active. The second one was after ramps and shelf were removed when he started wobbling more and the added floor toys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMAVwgXnvd8



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxHqvr9wTY

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Old 07-22-2018, 03:30 PM   #6
klainep
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Default Re: older hamster

What exactly do you mean by porridge? Is there a certain brand? When I hear porridge I think oatmeal.
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Old 07-22-2018, 03:38 PM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: older hamster

Porridge is made from oatmeal yes In England and Scotland we talk about porridge oats which are bigger than oatmeal (which can come in varying sizes from "meal" to whole pressed oats). Either way you add some water and cook it. I personally think it's better with chunky oats and our favourite for flavour and texture used to be "Scotts" porridge oats - been around since my Childhood. The packet has a picture of a scotsman in a kilt on the front - suggesting you will look as big and strong as him if you eat it Our new favourite is Holland and Barrett's organic jumbo oats which are the tastiest I've ever had.

For humans we make it with half milk and half water but for hammies we just use water.

Last edited by Pebbles82; 07-22-2018 at 03:44 PM.
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Old 07-22-2018, 06:56 PM   #8
klainep
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Default Re: older hamster

Thank you Serendipity! Do you think it would be okay to use oatmeal? I have McCANN's quick cooking irish oatmeal. And then what? You let it cool and serve a little in a bowl??
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Old 07-22-2018, 11:18 PM   #9
cypher
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Default Re: older hamster

klainep as far as I can see the oatmeal you have is actually rolled oats (oatmeal & rolled oats are different things in the UK!) so that will be fine, just let it cool a little & give about a teaspoonful either on any kind of small dish, I use plastic lids usually, they will often enjoy licking it straight from the spoon too.
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:12 PM   #10
klainep
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Default Re: older hamster

Thank Cypher! Can't wait to try this!
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