My dwarf hamster is almost 3 years old and it's losing it's fur around its eyes. First it was one eye that had matted fur and subtle fur loss, but now the other eye has it too. My hamster's tail is also very yellow and the fur sticks out, and my hamster has recently become very unstable. For example, if it's eating, it starts rocking and sometimes falls over. Also, the hind legs have begun to develop a very skinny, "old" look to it.
Does anyone know if my hamster is sick or if it's just too old? Thanks
2007-02-10 21:59:24 · 6 answers · asked by amieeisterz 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The average life span of a hamster is 2 years so congratulations on taking such good care of him that he's almost made it to 3. The signs that you are describing sound like normal symptoms of old age to me. You may start noticing that his fur thins over his whole body. The yellowing and fur sticking out from his tail and bottom area is because he can not keep up the hygiene that he was able to do before. It's too hard for him to bend and lick the area clean any longer. The look and unstability of his hind legs are very typical of old age. You may want to modify his cage to make thing easier for him. Make sure the water bottle is low enough that he can reach it without standing on two legs. Take the wheel out so he's not tempted to run on it (though if there's other hamsters in with him, you'll need to leave it in). Make sure you use a lower food dish so he doesn't have to climb up into it. Making this few cage modifications will go a long way to making things easier for him and him more comfortable.
-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com
2007-02-12 07:49:30 · answer #1 · answered by radiocricket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had the same problem a few years ago but my hamster was abit older, best thing is to take it to the vets, my problem was with its food i was giving it which caused it to lose fur as there was not the right vitimins in the food, i was buying cheap petshop food, also try brushing the hamster 2/3 times a week, and give it some play time or get a mate for it
2007-02-10 22:14:55 · answer #2 · answered by madmac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would desire to be protein scabs, I had the comparable concern in a rat grew to become out to be a protein difficulty after giving her a undeniable no protein foodstuff plan for 2 weeks she became wonderful-wish this helps. you additionally can ask on a hamster talk board? she isn't a undeniable fur style that moults via any risk is she?
2016-09-28 23:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well hamsters usually live 2-3 yrs. it may be sick, but the vet is the only one who will know.
2007-02-11 02:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by ferrets4ever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it's probably time for your hamster, they only live for about 2-3 years.
2007-02-11 12:18:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask a Vet
2007-02-10 22:06:41 · answer #6 · answered by graphix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋