Old Age - What to Expect

StarlightSerenity · 03-18-2012, 08:55 PM

Luna is now 1 year, 3 months and 10 days old but still a baby in my heart. The thing is, my mum said something about her "getting old" today, nothing to do with what mums seen (she only comes to stay a few times a year), it was just a comment she made. It got me thinking about Luna, her age and what to expect, or what to look out for as she gets older.

I had a read of Hammysworld (the owner of the website bred Luna) and the "Old Age" page - Hamsters in old age but I was hoping that people here could give me some real life experiences, what you noticed when your ham became older, what age they started showing signs and what have you.

I know it's a bit of a morbid topic but I'd rather be aware and be able to catch any potentail illnesses earlier rather than later and ensure that when she does start slowing down I can make any necessary changes to her lifestyle.

Luna isn't showing any signs of slowing down at all - I can still barely keep up with her, she's still just as busy as always and definately isn't going off her food or anything like that. I hope that I'll have another 11-12 months with her, she's a very healthy hamster and came from a fantastic family line.

LoveMyHams · 03-18-2012, 09:05 PM

The wiki page here on HC is a good read about elderly hams. I have 2 right now that are about a month older than Luna and one is starting to show age and the other isn't.

Honeylilly · 03-19-2012, 12:16 AM

I've got a little old age syrian hammy right now shes 2 years 3 months,
The old age process genrally starts with them sleeping more, Eating/drinking less and a thinner face and thinner fur. As time progresses it'll get slower and weaker until it cant or wont eat/drink. I've been through this heartbreaking process 3 times now and my lilly's got to the point were shes not eating

I'd say hammys genrally start showing age between 1 1/2 to 2 years old.
Best of luck to you and hope this helps!

hardcore-hammies · 03-19-2012, 12:23 AM

i noticed with Baby my syrian who is ruffly coming up fir 2 , that her face has went more pointy and not so squished and cute (baby faced lol ) i know they dont look like babies forever but i have noticed a big difference. Also she sleeps alot more only coming out for a drink/food.Her fur isnt as thick i can feel her bones more pronounced and she looks quite frail though she can be really active when out her cage

I read somewhere not sure if it was on HC, that peeing in their nest is a definet sign of old age (dont quote me on this) as i dont know if this is true so feel any1 to correct me if im wrong

forgot to mention her eyes look quite dull not got that little sparkle to them

Lynternette · 03-19-2012, 01:23 AM

Conan is an old boy now. He's almost 2.1/2. He doesn't look any different although he does have long hair. He's a tiny bit heavier as he doesn't play so much. He sleeps a lot now. When he comes out he likes to snuggle in my cardi and just go to sleep. His eyes are nice and bright so its difficult to tell with him.

The Russians definitely changed. They were 26 months old. It happened quickly with them. They ate and played as always. Everywhere they went they were like a whirlwind. Why walk when you can run. It seemed like overnight they were just a frame of bones. Their eyes looked so tired and dull. Someone on here said not so long ago 'I love his little old man's legs' and its so true.

Dusty's 16 months and he's still a baby.

My Mom 's the same 'they don't live long do they'. I think with todays foods and knowlege they do live a longer and hopefully a healthier life.

Mona's Humans · 03-19-2012, 01:49 AM

Pepper is slowing down lately, taking more times to get up ramps, losing some of his 'chub' and sleeping more, he's also wanting more bedding for his house. He's a rescue so anywhere between 16 and about 19 months, were just hoping he has a longish happy retirement

shazzy · 03-19-2012, 02:33 AM

Ive been worried about this with my Darcey recently, as it just occurred to me that she is the same age now that Mo passed - 18 months. Ive been trying not to worry - she's still a little madam, very active and alert, just a little tiny bit doddery on her back legs but thats it. I'm trying to forget about her aging and just enjoy her

Lynternette · 03-19-2012, 03:07 AM

I've decided my Dusty will be at least three before he goes to the bridge. I know I'm bonkers but that's how I feel about him.

Try not to dwell on it shazzy. Just enjoy her company and let nature take its course. We all know when we have a hammy baby that their life is short. All we can ask is that they are happy and have the best mummy there is. I know Darcy is getting this and more. xxx

**Pompompoms** · 03-19-2012, 08:13 AM

I've not had any signs of old age till two years, Jam was ill before then, but The Cloud and George were both looking amazing as they turned two. The strange thing was though pretty much straight afterwards they started showing signs.

As others have said, you just notice them slowing down a bit, up and about a little less spending more time in the nest relaxing whereas my youngsters tend to be up if they're awake and are not grooming.

There will be muscle wastage, and thinning fur, this is where the little old man legs come from on the dwarfs. When they come out you'll notice they will have a tire a lot sooner and often settle down for a sleep. They wheel less, and as they are less active need to eat less.

A year and three months isn't old at all don't you worry, Luna is still very much in her prime