Can this hamster be saved?

Question

My friend says her hamster seems very lethargic he wont open his eyes is isnt really responsive

Any idea what might be wrong? She has had him like 3 years so is it just his time?

Well any advice to at least make its last few hours as comfortable as possible?

Answer 1

Three years can be reaching the end of its lifespan depending on the breed, however being lethargic could also be a sign of an illness. Hamsters typically hide most symptoms of illnesses until they are very ill, so the hamster should be taken to an exotic animal vet IMMEDIATELY just in case.

It's not worth risking to keep home if she is concerned about her hamster's well-being. See a vet just in case.

Answer 2

Three years is only old for the very fluffy hamsters and ones that aren't quite getting all they need. I actually had a normal golden hamster that lived to more than 14 years...that is excessively old no matter how you think about it though-I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.

I'm more inclined to think that something triggered it to go into 'winter' mode. A friend mine had a hamster that they thought died but it was in the middle of winter so they couldn't bury it and instead put it in the freezer until spring. Six months later the mom was cleaning and came acrossed it. She threw it in the trash instead of disturbing the kids. A couple of hours later they heard a strange noise...the hamster was very much alive. Makes you wonder how many 'dead' hamsters actually end up suffocating in plastic bags or crushed in the trash.

My recomendation would be to just take care of it normally and if it does seem to be dead make sure that it is completely stiff before doing anything (and even then make very sure it is dead-hibernation can cause it to stiffen a little). A hibernating hamster does not appear to breath and does not have a noticeable heart beat. It wasn't something my family had to worry about-the 14 year old was rather obviously dead from old age and we were familiar with his hibernation while the others we had either got injured, were the ultra fluffy ones, or the cat got them.

Answer 3

I think it is his time. Hamsters usually only live 3 - 5 years.

Answer 4

It's probably just old. Hamsters typically live 2-3 years, although they CAN live up to 7 or more (I heard of one that lived to be ten!). She COULD take it to the vet... but chances are it's just too old. I don't know how hamster-savvy most vets are... I doubt they'll be able to do much. Sorry. :(

Answer 5

Usually they live up to 3-5 years old. I have friends whose hamsters lived up to 5 years. He is either dead (maybe not). Or he is hibernating which is like they are dead but they aren't.

look up hamster hibernation for more answers about that

Answer 6

hamsters don't live very long. it sounds like its sick. is it eating and drinking? take it to the vet and get it checked out, that's the only way you`ll know for sure whats wrong. sorry about the hamster.

Answer 7

Could be just his time, since as far as I can remember a good lifespan for a Hamster is 2yrs. or 3 - 4 if take really good care of one....... and I've just pretty much confirmed it by finding this page on GOOGLE: http://www.petinfo4u.com/hamsters.htm

Answer 8

3 years is about the life span of a hamster. Or maybe he needs a cup of coffee....it always perks me up.

Answer 9

I think it is the hamsters time. You can take it to the vet but I dont know if they could do anyhitng. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooo sry.

Answer 10

I was told hamsters only live 2 -3years. He is probably dying.
I'm sorry.