Tips for longevity

Womblehands · 09-05-2011, 11:09 AM

Hi, as most of you will know Peanut has reached 2 years this month. I've been researching elderly hamster care online but would like some tips from people here who have had a hamster reach this age. I've never had a hamster who has passed 18mnths..
Peanut is eating brilliantly, drinking and toilet is fine. He's slower in his wheel but that's about it really..
Any foods I should be giving or not giving to help him stay with me longer. I can't imagine the day he leaves me so would like any pieces of advice..

And as a reward for helping.. here are some baby Peanutty pictures

SnickersTheFirst · 09-05-2011, 11:14 AM

I hate to say it but I don't think there's an awful lot that can be done to slow the aging process. I know that there shouldn't be extra protein in an elderly hams diet as they find it hard to digest.

**LocoRocoPanda** · 09-05-2011, 11:15 AM

OHHHH! LOOK AT HIM!!! HE'S SO CUTE. *clears throat* Sorry, you know I adore Peanut.

With Rin, I actually ended up bringing her out of her cage less and holding her for little cuddles regularly. She did better in Aizen's small bin cage as well.

I can't think of any food, I gave her less milk drops and more milky wheetabix and things like that.

Womblehands · 09-05-2011, 11:17 AM

Thanks..I guessed I cannot really slow it down but I would like to keep him ship shape and to the age of 3 if I can.
He has soya milk in his ready brek quite often, doesn't really care for baby food which is a shame..

**Pompompoms** · 09-05-2011, 11:35 AM

I think you do a fantastic job with both of them, and as long as you carry on you are doing everything you can to give Peanut the best chance of a long happy life.

As he's still completely healthy, you don't really need to change anything, it may be in time he needs a few adjustments to his home to make things a little easier for an old man, but he is far far away from that yet.

Obviously keep up his regular health checks, and be vigilant of any changes. Oh, and loads of fun and snuggles

PS Baby Peanut: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Humphrey Furball · 09-05-2011, 11:50 AM

Oh, Peanut is such a heart-melter! That 2nd pic of him is just the cutest, his little baby face is so cute!!! Obviously Sen's love will keep him young

Hamsterlopaedia page 37 mentions supplements of milky foods and mashes being beneficial for the elderly (usual rules about not too much, and not too often still apply)