A hamster is a small, non-domineing rodent. Hamsters are noted for their short lives, with most going through newborn to old age in a week!
They are named after the sound they make when they roll around. This can be annoying as it gets stuck in the velvety spot on the floor, but it is an important part of telling how old your hamster is.
Hamsters are normally between one and three years of age. Early on, hamsters are square shaped and have thickened backs. As they get older, they become rounder and may develop curves where they lie down.
Look at the teeth
A hamster’s teeth are called its mouth set-off by normal, tooth-less gums. Like a human, a hamster has two upper and lower jaws, together called the petiole.
The two lips join together to form a whole with the teeth on it. This is where the hamster gets its name: The Oldhamtine!
How Does a Hamster Eat Its Food?
When an adult hamster eats, it uses two parts: Drool and Chews. Drool can look like blood, because it goes down along with food. Chews are mainly used for things like nuts or fruit because of the hard part in them.
Most times, an adult hamster will use just drool and chews, but sometimes you can see some change in size of those two parts.
Count the rings on their tail
This one is a little bitmetadata, so you would probably need to be very careful with what you say can determine a hamster’s age.
But, it is a good one to know. According to hamster experts, there are three kinds of hamsters. These kinds are:
Old-fashioned wire-whip hamsters that have no tail. They are born baby hamsters and stay baby hamsters until they reach about one year of age.
that have no tail. They are born babyhamsters and stay babyhamets until they reach about one year of age. Newborn hamsters that have no tail because the breeder did not get them at the right time. They stay tiny for about a week until they grow enough fat to lay eggs!
that have no tail because the breeder did not get them at an appropriate time.
Look at the color of their eyes
A hamster’s eyes should be brown or black with no white showing. If they have lighter colored eyes, this is a good sign they are older.
If the hamster has a white or light colored eye, this is a sign of an eye problem such as external or internal blindness. This may also indicate they are sickly or not healthy.
Ask what date they were purchased
Many hamsters are bought at a young age, when they are only a few weeks old. This can be dangerous if you do not watch them for an extended period of time!
When hamsters are one week old, they are too small to safely hold in the hand. They still have short little legs and wide rear end, so make sure to ask about it.
If you take your hamster out of the cage at a young age, make sure to observe them for development. Make certain their hind feet are fully developed, and make certain their back legs are long enough.
If you want to give your hamster a home, make certain they have adequate space. Hamsters like to live in small spaces, so do not force them into something that does not allow enough room for all activities.
Compare their size to other hamsters
Most hamsters are about the size of a small, baby bird. This is due to their short lifespan and high rate of health defects.
Most large hamsters can survive off their own fat, which is located around their cheeks. This fat grows with age as it normally does, making it a healthy way to manage aging and finances!
Many smaller hamsters cannot handle the large amounts of fat that older hamsters possess. This is why you should look for a hamster that is smaller than your pet’s usual size.
Check their behavior for signs of aging
If your hamster is still new to the world, it is recommended to check how they are behaving for signs of aging.
Signs of aging are common with animals. Some dogs get arthritis, for example, and others do not. As you can see in the picture, this dog seems very active and full of energy all the time.
If your hamster has a long life history (e.g., long lifespan), it is recommended to look for signs of aging such as decreased activity, drooping, or a change in diet. All of these symptoms indicate a need for more room or time to live!
It is important to remember that age is a number rather than a thing.
Observe fur texture and color
When hamsters are young, their fur is very soft and thin. This is due to them being very little when they are born.
To be able to tell how old your hamster is, look for different textures in the fur. The tail may be hard, the back may be soft, and the feet may be soft or fluffy or have slight patterns.
Some hamsters will even have hairs on their legs! These curious creatures might pull off these hairs to see if they are longer or thicker. If your hamster seems older, then it might also have more hair on its legs in addition to the head.
Look at bones for signs of aging
Most hamsters will have a couple of small bones in their paws that look slightly white or thin. These are called papperae and are what give them their Tapered Paper-W shape.
These bones grow about twice as fast as the rest of your hamster’s body. When he is young, these may break easily, so do not worry if it has some white marks or lines on it.
When he is a bit older, these may shift in and out of gray or even brown, which can create a funny looking set of bones. If you notice this, get him veterinary attention right away to fix the problem.
His tail may also start to grow longer and thicker, which looks like his legs are getting shorter.
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
FollowJohn on her hamster blog to embark on an exciting Journey into the world of hamsters, where love, care, and happiness come together to create unforgettable experiences.
- Sleepy Critters: The Wonderful World Of Hamster Napping Habits - April 21, 2024
- Unleashing The Dark Side: Inside The World Of Hamster Aggressive Behavior - April 21, 2024
- Cash In On Cuteness: Starting Your Own Hamster Breeding Business - April 21, 2024
