Senior hamsters

[Ria P]

That's what worries me about the bird feeder, that i'd stress the hamster. Unless i hang up a treat inside and don't close it. Make it into some kind of a toy and wear one of those headband magnifying glasses. Hmm.

[Pebbles82]

I think some hamsters would be a bit stressed in a bird feeder. But most enjoy a nice bit of porridge while sitting on the sofa. You could maybe try that (with a head magnifying glass or two pairs of glasses on!).

I felt apprehensive about it too but once you have a go it's not so bad. But it can take a few goes only doing a couple of nails each time. You get there eventually and usually not all of them need clipping - just the odd long one.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I think some hamsters would be a bit stressed in a bird feeder. But most enjoy a nice bit of porridge while sitting on the sofa. You could maybe try that (with a head magnifying glass or two pairs of glasses on!).

I felt apprehensive about it too but once you have a go it's not so bad. But it can take a few goes only doing a couple of nails each time. You get there eventually and usually not all of them need clipping - just the odd long one.

It's not so that i feel apprehensive because i trim the Robo's and Gertie's nails but Rodney is so wriggly i can't get a hold of him for long enough.

He gets his porridge in the morning so can't change his routine but will try soggy cereal on the futon in an egg cup or something he'll hold on to.

His teeth are ok. I purposely kept him waiting last night so he'd chew the bars and i could see his teeth. We usually get a big yawn at porridge time but he doesn't always come out for it now. They seem to eat less as they get older.

[Pebbles82]

This is a photo of Moo when I was doing his nails I had the teaspoon on top of a book in front of him to raise it slightly. You can just see his feet are firmly planted and he just ate it from the spoon and forgot about his feet. So (with my two pairs of glasses and good room lighting!) I could clearly see his toenails splayed out and just snip the odd one while he was eating. It was the Ella's kitchen strawberry porridge which he got very excited about and couldn't resist and was totally focused on it! Another time I did it with chicken baby food. I managed to do two on that session before he realised and pulled his leg away. Hope that helps. But if Rodney is too difficult then yes maybe the vet will need to do them. I do find they can get mesmerised by special food though! I watched a youtube video of someone doing it to get that idea!

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[LunaTheHamster1]

you've not met moonbeam, she would never do this, even if her favourite food was involved. Lucky you having a hammie like that.

[Ria P]

Thanks for the photo.

I don't give up easily and the vet would be the very last resort.

I'll try food at the end of a free roaming session when he's gets hungry and tired.

I'll also get a bird feeder and put it in the play ground with an attached treat like a stuck nut so it has his smell. I can handle him while he's playing in the feeder. That's all theory but you know what hamsters are like who usually do the opposite of what we'd like them to do.

Got to buy a headband magnifying glass though.

Do hamsters chew their nails?
I just wondered because Rodney's pinky now has a short nail. There's no damage to the nail bed so i don't think it got caught.

[Pebbles82]

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

you've not met moonbeam, she would never do this, even if her favourite food was involved. Lucky you having a hammie like that.

Lol - well he was very old and that tumour made him a bit less mobile. And once he did move he was off! But the food distracted him for long enough to snip two nails!

Ria I've seen missing nails as well. I have no idea whether they chew them but I think sometimes they can fall out. I was a bit worried some of Moo's missing ones (later) were infected as they looked a bit red and inflamed but the vet said they were fine - nothing untoward.

I've had them lose teeth as well when older - Newt lost his two top teeth. I think Moo lost a front tooth as well.

That photo was actually taken for the vet during lockdown - to show his chest tumour, which had proved difficult to obtain as he was so wriggly for holding but the food did the trick. So I took the opportunity to do his nails as well.

I have to say all ours have gone completely potty for that Ella's kitchen strawberry porridge! Bits of strawberry and raspberry in it - crunchy bits and smells very fruity.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I have to say all ours have gone completely potty for that Ella's kitchen strawberry porridge! Bits of strawberry and raspberry in it - crunchy bits and smells very fruity.

I haven't been able to get this porridge but must have a look tomorrow to see if it's back in the shops.

Rodney isn't really a foodie. Mashed banana may tempt him when he's hungry enough.

[Lilafernim]

I’ve only just caught up with the thread and I think it’s a great idea! I myself have a question about toenail cutting, I checked mitzis and they’re tiny and online it says not to bother unless they are overgrown. I didn’t realise (although it makes sense!) they grow more as they get older.

I was just wondering have you always cut the nails of every hamster as they got older? Or do only some need it. I have really shaky hands and I think if I was to try I might accidentally cut a foot off! Also if Mitzi did end up needing them done in a future could I get a vet to do it and how much would they charge for that?

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by Lilafernim

I’ve only just caught up with the thread and I think it’s a great idea! I myself have a question about toenail cutting, I checked mitzis and they’re tiny and online it says not to bother unless they are overgrown. I didn’t realise (although it makes sense!) they grow more as they get older.

I was just wondering have you always cut the nails of every hamster as they got older? Or do only some need it. I have really shaky hands and I think if I was to try I might accidentally cut a foot off! Also if Mitzi did end up needing them done in a future could I get a vet to do it and how much would they charge for that?

Not all hamsters grow long nails. Rory is nearly 2 and has perfect nails.

Yes, a vet can cut them. A friend paid £30 for her Robo's pedicure with a little sedation (gas).