Hair loss

[TNTWORX]

Turbo has lost a lot of fur near his hip.I don't think it is a tumor because the only dark splotches I can see are were the dark part of his fur (used to) grows in. I think it may be environmental loss because his favorite house is plastic, and he always gets out the same way, but I want to be sure. What are your thoughts? Disease, natural, environmental, or something else?

( If it helps he is a few months over a year old and is a syrian.)

[Drago]

Male hamsters can have issues with fur thinning and loss as they grow older, similar to male pattern baldness in humans. Is he scratching a lot? Do you notice small reddish bugs on the skin? This can be an indication of mites. What kind of bedding and food do you have him on? Some hamsters develop allergic reactions to a bedding over time, though this may be accompanied by other symptoms. Too much protein in an older hamster's diet can also lead to fur loss so this is something to keep in mind! Pictures would help too :)

[cypher]

It could well be continuous rubbing against the house that's causing the problem, even with smooth edges it could cause fur to be rubbed off over time, if he's fine otherwise I would see if you can find an alternative house for him & double check he's not rubbing against anything else in the cage too.

[TNTWORX]

Thank you! I will see what I can do about getting a new house, and drago, I just got done playing with him, and didn't notice anything weird, other than the hair, but I will double check. I have him on Kaytee fiesta( I think, It is just about the only thing my pet store sells though) And I forget the bedding. I used the last of it yesterday. but if it is the bedding, every time we get more we choose a new color/ mix, so if it is that it should start getting better soon. Thanks!

[AmityvilleHams]

Order food online.You need to get him off the Kaytee as soon as possible,that brand does not make good food.Their food is absolutely not worth buying,it's pretty much junk with minimal usable ingredients(and harmful ingredients to boot!).

If you can order things off Chewy for example you can get free shipping :) Order from two sources,one that sells Higgins Sunburst and the other(Chewy in this case)which sells Carefresh.These two foods,along with Pure Bites freeze dried chicken cat/dog treats and flax seed,make a wonderful combined diet.It is also very affordable,with the Carefresh only costing $4 at Chewy and the Higgins Sunburst costing around $6-$10 depending on source.Just feed one tablespoon Carefresh,and 1 1/2 teaspoons(1/2 tablespoon)Higgins along with a pinch of flax seed(plain pure flax,nothing added)and a few pieces of the freeze dried chicken.

I think you have to spend around $50 for the free shipping off Chewy,but if you can order a large amount of the plain white unscented Kaytee Clean and Cozy substrate/bedding that will help go towards the cost along with the Carefresh food,and maybe finding some very safe toys,treats,etc.Check the dog section for high quality natural biscuits,there are most likely tons due to Chewy carrying a wide variety of high quality foods(despite having the undesirables as well).

[Drago]

I agree with Amity on the food. Fur quality is a HUGE indicator of what kind of diet they're on. Lush and shiny coats are indicative of a healthy, protein rich food. However, a patchy coat is indicative of a lack of nutrients or excess protein. Overly greasy fur usually is a result of improper proportions or too much fat. You can order good food off of Amazon, eBay, or chewy like amity said. Hazel/Harry hamster would be the best option for your hamster as it has all the nutrients necessary and contains no dyes or nasty preservatives like kaytee does. Being over one year, he'll likely not need protein supplementation, or only a few mealworms/a strip of chicken breast once a week.

(US)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BHVDS7C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488234289&sr=8-1&keywords=hazel+hamster+food&dpPl=1&dpID=51mFbI8v8nL&ref=plSrch

(UK)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01ETEJ9J0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1488234347&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX220_SY317_QL65&keywords=harry+hamster+food&dpPl=1&dpID=31elj7AEqEL&ref=plSrch

[AmityvilleHams]

With Harry/Hazel the high protein extras are not a daily necessity :) But when feeding the Carefresh/Higgins combination it is just barely(less than 1%)too low,without considering the flax and chicken.Therefore adding flax(which also is beneficial to fur quality)and the freeze dried chicken make it suitable.Animal protein is still an important(and natural)part of the diet of hamsters though,so it really must be fed regularly.

In terms of the easiest to feed Harry/Hazel is technically easiest but at the same time it isn't as easy to get which can be important if you end up running out and can't order it without it taking more than a few days to arrive.

[TNTWORX]

Thanks again!