Lazy hamster? or is he not okay?

[emzybabble]

My male Syrian hamster had been active, moving his bed now and again, collecting all the food I hide, playing in his different toys, going on his wheel at night, but recently it has been slowing down.

It got me worried when he started to become more vocal, like making a squeaky dog toy noise? and as well as that, he has been in his bed all day and all night. I can only get him out if I get a piece of fruit and then pop him in ball, even then he goes to his favourite dark corner and sits there until we have cuddles.



Is he okay? He will be about a year in September, although he was fully grown when I bought him. Does anyone know how you can tell what age their at too? The pet shop was pretty clueless, I knew more than them lmao but I think we all do here!

Thank you

Em and Nico xx

[emzybabble]

bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump bump

[Shannonmcn]

It could just be old age, is he showing any other symptoms like fur thinning or just generally slowing down and being a bit wobbly? It's not at all easy to tell their age between full growth and elderly. If it's been gradual over a few weeks then I'd be tempted to think he's just hitting retirement. If it's more sudden or he's stopped eating and drinking normally then I would think about a vet visit. Have you checked him over for any unusual lumps or bumps? Eyes shiny and alert or dull and a bit sunken looking? Walking normally or does he seem hunched over? Ears nice and perked up when you see him or flat to his head?

[emzybabble]

No fur thinning, his coat looks gorgeous as ever. A lovely golden blonde. Eating and drinking is fine, hes finding my treats I leave around too and gobbling them! Eyes are shiny yes, his ears are perked up. He has them right up when I come into my room, turn the light on and there he is sometimes haha!

[FlowerPixie]

Has he improved at all in the past few days?

[Pebbles82]

If he's looking healthy and eating well I shouldn't worry too much, as our Syrian sometimes goes a bit reclusive or wants his own space. In fact when he is most active is usually when he's a bit stressed about something - ie if I've just had to do something to his cage.

Likewise after some form of cage cleaning he will go reclusive for a few days (I reckon he's guarding his cage when he goes like that). Sometimes it is just a sign of contentment too, that they are happy in their cage and house I reckon. And contentment is a bit like laziness!

When Charlie gets like this I sometimes give him a night off and don't try and get him out but then the second night I tempt him out into a tube as he needs to keep up handling contact. Sometimes as well I find he perks up a bit if I take him to a different room for playtime - ie on top of the bed instead of downstairs on the sofa, and take him up in his ball and have a few toys on the bed (and things to block him from jumping off the edge! I use a blanket and myself!).