Did a healthcheck. spotted something :/

Jandrhamster · 02-02-2012, 03:20 PM

Hi, well I have done a healthcheck on bubbles and used a method with putting some weetabix and porridge in a container and put the container on my legs and bubbles

and he sat there for ages eating it so while I was there i decided to feel around the stomach and legs and he was SO well behaved!

(thank you Sam for the idea

) but what i noticed was he felt really boney etc. and i could literally feel his rib cage... and his skin is very i dont know like sort of so soft and flabby?

i cant think of a word

is it normal for it to feel like that?

souffle · 02-02-2012, 03:38 PM

What age is he now Jandrhamster? It isn't uncommon for an older hamster to feel quite thin and boney. It is really just them aging and some hamsters age quicker than others. It is usually due to a weakening of the kidneys and they stop absorbing their food so well. There is an article on the WIKI on care of the older hamster and signs of age you may want to check out.

Jandrhamster · 02-02-2012, 04:07 PM

I bought him in June 2011 so he is an adult.

souffle · 02-02-2012, 04:18 PM

He's not really that old then is he. Where did he come from? Was it a pet store?
Perhaps up his food portions. check his teeth and add some vitamins to his diet would help boost him up. He may be a naturally slender hamster.
Be sure to check the water bottle daily by running your hand over the ball and making sure it flows freely as dehydration can cause the loose skin.

Jandrhamster · 02-02-2012, 04:31 PM

Yes, he was purchased from a local pet store. and also he has a water bowl. what vitamins should i add in? i tend to give him some porridge and weetabix in a container on a daily basis. and sometimes babyfood, but that wont be daily. just from time to time he has a HH food mixed in with burgess and tbh i dont think i give treats often because i always forget so his sugar is pretty good and he has cucumber twice ae week so do you think that is alright for him?

Vectis Hamstery · 02-02-2012, 04:56 PM

I found when I gave extras daily (like porridge or babyfood) that my hamsters actually lost weight and condition as they were eating just the yummy treats instead of the hamster food which is full of balanced nutrition. I would suggest cutting extras down to 2-3 times a week, but giving him plenty of good quality hamster food like Burgess or Harry. After all, if I was able to I'd only ever eat chocolate and drink wine, but I don't think it would do me much good. Hamsters aren't able to think about what's good for them, so will go for the yummy

I agree with Souff that it is important to check his teeth aren't overgrown or broken as this can cause a hamster to lose weight as they find eating difficult. Giving a dog biscuit weekly can help keep teeth nice and trim though if they are overgrown or uneven they would need formal trimming by a vet.

Vitamin drops are available in many pet shops. I have used these in the past (Hamster Vitamin Solution 75ml by Beaphar | Pets at Home). I hope Bubbles is feeling better soon.

Jandrhamster · 02-02-2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vectis Hamstery

I found when I gave extras daily (like porridge or babyfood) that my hamsters actually lost weight and condition as they were eating just the yummy treats instead of the hamster food which is full of balanced nutrition. I would suggest cutting extras down to 2-3 times a week, but giving him plenty of good quality hamster food like Burgess or Harry. After all, if I was able to I'd only ever eat chocolate and drink wine, but I don't think it would do me much good. Hamsters aren't able to think about what's good for them, so will go for the yummy

I agree with Souff that it is important to check his teeth aren't overgrown or broken as this can cause a hamster to lose weight as they find eating difficult. Giving a dog biscuit weekly can help keep teeth nice and trim though if they are overgrown or uneven they would need formal trimming by a vet.

Vitamin drops are available in many pet shops. I have used these in the past (Hamster Vitamin Solution 75ml by Beaphar | Pets at Home). I hope Bubbles is feeling better soon.

Thanks, So if bubbles is possibly losing weight

then should i give him babyfood to make him gain weight? if he needs too? it is so hard to see his teeth

but i can see them when i give a berry drop

last time i saw them they looked alright XD

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-02-2012, 05:29 PM

Er... I may have misinterpreted it here, but I thought Vectis was saying to cut down on the treats, make sure he eats all his hamster food for a while and see if that helps?
I got the impression too much babyfood/porridge e.t.c made her hams lose weight?

Best of luck to you and Bubbles though.

souffle · 02-03-2012, 01:37 AM

The babyfood should not be given daily. For a hamster this age I would say once a week. I wouldn't give the porridge or weetabix every day though as this is mainly fibre. Once a week is good. He may be filling up with this instead of eating his hammy nosh! Twice a week maybe a bit of egg or chicken would be nice

Jandrhamster · 02-03-2012, 04:20 AM

Just to add I dont give milk with the porridge or weetabix just the oat stuff....