Old Age

[Inkefire]

I am the third owner of my hamsters so I know very little about them, we assumed that he and his cagemate were of a similar age, but recently George has started to look a lot rougher and smells badly. Are these signs of old age? And if not, is there any way we can estimate how old they are?

[cdeane]

I assume they are dwarf hamsters,and I don't know much about them. Syrians in my experience don't smell bad as they age, perhaps a little less groomed and I have noticed goopy eyes and slowing down. I have also noticed that they sometimes pee in their beds so perhaps he is more smelly because of this?

[laura]

Are they scenting, that could be the smell?
Do they feel thin ? are they eating well?
Hamsters dont live long at all, so give them lots of love .
You could but some sand from pet shop and let them have a sand bath, they will enjoy it.!

[Inkefire]

I don't know if they're scenting is there a way to tell?
George, the one I'm worried about, is quite thin but he eats well and is very light. He's about half the size of Fred and looks a lot worse. They've got a clay bath that they use all the time so I didn't think it was a hygene problem.
Thanks for the advice, I'm keeping an eye on him for now and giving him a lot of hugs

[Lorraine]

There is no real way to ascertain the age of hamsters. It's possible it could be old age, or he could be ill. Keep a close eye on him and if concerned take him to a vet.

[cdeane]

Is there any hair loss? I have had a couple of hamsters that had cushings and they got quite thin, but hair loss is a major symptom so check for that perhaps?

[Inkefire]

Hmmm, no hair loss that I can see, he has a few red patches on the tops of his legs where the hair is quite thin, but is still there.

[cdeane]

Not sure, perhaps a vet visit if he is getting worse? Keep us updated on how he is doing : )