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In breve
- Activity and climbing may decrease; reduce high platforms and tubes.
- Make food and water easier to reach.
- Tracking weight becomes even more important.
- Self-grooming may get harder; check the coat and rear end.
- Keep a calm routine and avoid sudden changes.
Hamsters have short lives, and signs of ageing can appear from about 18 months of age. The goal at this stage is to adapt the habitat to a slowing body and notice changes early.
What is happening in this stage?
- Activity, wheel use and climbing may decrease.
- The coat may thin or look messier.
- Sleep increases, along with interest in a warm, quiet nest.
- Muscle mass may decrease and weight can fluctuate.
What should you do differently?
- Space: Reduce high platforms, tubes and anything they could fall from; keep the floor single-level and soft.
- Access: Place food and water within easy reach and check the height of the water bottle.
- Diet: If you notice difficulty eating, discuss suitable options with your veterinarian.
- Grooming: Check regularly that the rear end and coat stay clean.
- Routine: Don't move the enclosure or rearrange it; provide a calm environment.
What should you monitor?
- Weight (weekly weighing)
- Appetite, drinking and droppings
- Gait and balance
- Coat, eyes and skin; any new lumps
Expected behavior
More sleep, shorter night-time activity and longer periods in the nest are natural parts of ageing.
Reminders
- Check-ups as often as your veterinarian recommends
- Weekly weighing
- Teeth and nail checks
Le fasce d'età sono indicative; le differenze all'interno di una specie (come la taglia nei cani) possono anticipare o ritardare i passaggi.
Questo contenuto ha scopo informativo generale e non sostituisce una visita veterinaria né una diagnosi. Se sei preoccupato per la salute del tuo animale, contatta il tuo veterinario.