Emma Jones
Unfortunately, the little chubby-cheeked rodents don’t get very old. The average age is two to three years. But how do you care for an old hamster?
From the twelfth month of life, the first signs of aging can be noticed: the movements slow down, the periods of rest become longer and the eyes are no longer as shiny as in the first few months. Some hamsters eat more and more as they get older and become sluggish and plump over time. Other hamsters, on the other hand, “forget” to drink and eat and become thinner and thinner. So it’s similar to us humans: some lose weight when they get old, others gain weight. Some hamster keepers also report that the little rodent became more and more bitchy over the years.
Can the aging process be slowed down?
Especially with animals that live so short, one would like to stop time. This is of course not possible, but you can delay the farewell a little with the right care, nutrition and hygiene. If your hamster is one of those candidates who get plumper with age because they can’t seem to get enough food, you should pay special attention to the right food. However, if your rodent eats very little food, a vitamin deficiency can be the result. With the right supplements, you can feed your hamster back to health. Get advice from a veterinarian.
Life with a hamster senior
In everyday life, you should treat your little roommate as gently as possible. Avoid frantic movements. This could make the little one panic. Explain to your children that the hamster needs rest. Help him with his grooming: when petting, remove sticky areas on the anus, around the eyes, and around his snout. Give your hamster senior some exercise. But make it shorter. An old hamster gets out of breath faster and soon wants to retire to his cave. It is best if you set up a ladder for him to climb into his cage himself. However, this should not be too steep. You have to keep in mind that your little rodent is not the youngest anymore.