Red skin on hamster.

[LillyO123]

My hamster Dorian has a red bald patch on his chest and side of his face. These past few months I noticed his fur being a bit thin, but I just it was because hes old. He's 2 so hes getting on. But now hes bald and his skin looks really irritated and red. Also he snorts when I hold him, he sounds like a pig lol. On the other hand hes eating, drinking and hes still very active.

[racinghamster]

Hi Lilly. Hair loss and other bodily changes can cause these reactions in older hamsters. They can start to get itchy for no reason (nothing has changed with their food or environment) so it could be his own body reacting to something, it`s not easy to say which. Is he bright eyed and normal otherwise? Is his breathing quite noisy or not changed much? They can make odd sniffling/snuffling noises occasionally but grunting continually or weight loss could indicate a respiratory issue. Look closely at his diet and if you think it`s a bit boring, try looking at adding more nutrients like crushing up varieties of nuts like hazelnut, peanut, cashew, small pieces of raw veg like broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, garden peas, sweetcorn nibblets and apple. His immune system might need a wee boost. x

[LillyO123]

He seems/looks normal. He's breathing fine too. He only snorts/squeaks when I hold him, like he doesn't like being held anymore? I give him vitamins. I feed him vegetables now and then as treats because I thought it could give them stomach problems? Should I start feeding him veg more often?

[LillyO123]

I posted on this earlier but for some reason it hasn't gone through?

[LillyO123]

Anyways, nothing has changed food or cage wise. He seems normal, hes just as active, eating and drinking fine too. His breathing is fine, its only when I pick him up he squeaks/snorts. I give him vegetables now and then because I thought too much was bad for them, or should I start giving him more veg?

[LillyO123]

Here's a picture, its not a lump btw he has his pouch stuffed, the only good picture I could get lol.