How to Care for an Older Hamster

Taking care of your older hamster takes a little more time and patience than caring for the younger version. Follow these steps to make sure that their golden years are a pleasant ending to their short time here on earth.

Instructions

1. Check an older hamster's teeth once a week. After 1-2 years of age, their teeth can become overgrown or broken.

2. Move an older hamster into a single-story cage.

3. Make sure the older hamster's food and water tube is low enough for them to reach without climbing. In a large cage that has tubes, the hamster may be too weak to climb to reach food or water.

4. Offer the hamster canned dog, cat or baby food if they are not able to eat their regular hamster food or treats. Soft bits of fruit are also well tolerated.

5. Take an older hamster out of his cage at least twice a day. No matter what age, all pet hamsters need companionship and love.

6. Remember to be extra careful with an older hamster. Their tiny bones become fragile with age, just like humans. Stroke their head and back gently as you love them.

7. Offer your hamster a bowl of chinchilla dust if they aren't grooming themselves. They will roll around in the dust and it acts as a natural fur cleaner.

8. Try wetting the top layer of their fur with a wet wash cloth if the chinchilla dust doesn't work. Hamsters tend to clean any area of their fur that gets wet.

9. Keep track of your hamster's age. Knowing if their ailments are due to simple old age or possibly a treatable illness is an important responsibility in hamster care.

Resources

• More information on hamster care.
• Find lots of information on hamsters.