Fat Hamster Life
Are you a new hamster owner? If so, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of fat hamsters. According to the National Hamster Council, the average lifespan of a hamster is 2-3 years. However, this can be significantly shortened if they are not cared for properly. This includes providing a healthy diet and ensuring they get enough exercise, diet and ensuring they get enough exercise.
As a responsible owner, knowing how to care for a fat hamster is essential. This blog post will discuss the risks of obesity in hamsters and tips on keeping your furry friend trim and healthy. Keep reading for more information.
Why Is My Hamster Overweight?
There are a few reasons your hamster might carry around extra weight. Maybe you’ve been feeding them more than they need, or they haven’t been getting enough exercise. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to ensure your hamster loses weight safely and slowly. A hamster losing weight too quickly can be dangerous for their health.
How Can I Tell If My Hamster Is Overweight?
The best way to tell if your hamster is overweight is to look at them above while standing on all fours. You should be able to see their waist, and their tummy shouldn’t be hanging down. Your hamster is probably overweight if you can’t see its core or tummy hanging lower than its thighs.
Signs Your Dwarf Hamster is Overweight
Your Hamster Looks More Like a Ball Than a Rodent
When fully grown, a dwarf hamster should be about the size of your palm. If you notice that your hamster’s belly is dragging on the ground or its body looks more spherical than tubular, it may be time to cut back on the snacks.
Your Hamster is Sluggish and Has Trouble Moving Around
A healthy dwarf hamster should be playful and active. However, if you notice that your hamster is having difficulty getting around its cage or appears to be constantly tired, it may be carrying around too much weight. Excess weight can strain your hamster’s heart and lungs, making it hard for them to get enough oxygen.
Your Hamster’s Fur is Thinning and Patchy
A healthy coat of fur indicates good health in any animal. If you notice that your hamster’s fur is starting to thin or appear patchy, it could be a sign of malnutrition or an underlying health condition. However, if your hamster is regularly eating and its fur is still thinning, excess weight could be to blame. Being overweight can stress your hamster’s organs and make it difficult to groom themselves adequately.
Signs Your Syrian Hamster is Overweight
Your Hamster’s Chest and Ribs Are Hidden
One of the first places you’ll notice weight gain in your hamster is around their chest and ribs. If you can’t feel or see your hamster’s ribs anymore, it’s a sign that they’re carrying around some extra weight. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to feel your hamster’s ribs without having to press too hard.
Your Hamster Has a Rounded Back
Another sign of weight gain is a rounded back. This is easy to spot when your hamster runs on their wheel or climbs in its cage. A healthy hamster will have a straight back when they run. If you notice that your hamSTER’S back is starting to round, they’ve gained some weight and could stand to lose a few grams.
Your Hamster Struggles to Move Around
Being overweight can make it difficult for your hamster to move around like it used to. If you notice that they’re having trouble getting on their wheel or climbing to the top of their cage, it’s a sign that they need to shed some weight. Obesity strains their hearts and lungs, making it more difficult for them to breathe and resulting in less energy overall.
Signs Your Robo Hamster is Overweight
Your Hamster’s Belly Is Sagging
One of the first things you’ll notice if your Robo hamster is overweight is that its belly will start to sag. This is because they carry more weight than their little body was meant to support. So if you notice that your hamster’s belly is sagging, it’s time to cut back on their food intake and up their exercise.
Your Hamster Is Slower Than Usual
Another sign that your Robo hamster might carry a few extra pounds is that they seem sluggish and slow. If your hammy used to be playful and full of energy but now seems content to lounge around all day, it might be because they’re carrying too much weight. But, again, getting them on an exercise regimen can help them trim down and return to their old selves.
Your Hamster Can’t Fit Into Their Exercise Wheel Anymore
If you’ve noticed that your Robo hamster is having trouble fitting into its exercise wheel—or worse, can’t fit in at all—it’s a cause for concern. This means they’re carrying so much extra weight that they can’t even move around as they need to to stay healthy. So again, reducing food and increasing exercise is the best course.
How to Put a Hamster on a Diet
Step One: Figure Out How Much Your Hamster Should Be Eating
The first step in putting your hamster on a diet is to figure out how much your hamster should be eating. A good rule of thumb is about two tablespoons of food per day for an adult hamster. However, this may vary depending on the type of food you are feeding your hamster and the size/weight of your hamster.
If you’re unsure about how much your specific hamster should be eating, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you tailored advice based on your circumstances.
Step Two: Put Your Hamster On a Schedule
Once you know how much food your hamster should eat each day, the next step is to put them on a schedule. This means dividing up that 2 tablespoons of food into multiple meals throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is three meals per day – one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one at night.
If you find that your hamster is still gaining weight or is always begging for more food, you can try reducing the number of meals per day or cutting back on the amount of food per meal. However, it’s important not to cut back too much or reduce the number of meals too dramatically, as this can lead to health problems for your hamster down the road.
Step Three: Choose Healthy Foods
Like humans, not all foods are created equal in dieting. When choosing foods for your fat hamster’s diet, choose healthy choices like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. These foods will help fill your hamster up without adding extra calories and fats contributing to weight gain.
Some examples of healthy foods for fat hamsters include:
Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Apples, Bananas, Fish, and Lean Meats Like Chicken or Turkey Breast
Avoid processed foods and sugary treats when possible, as these can lead to weight gain and health problems. If you want to give your hamster a treat now and then, opt for something healthy like a small piece of fruit instead of something high in sugar like candy or cake.
Final Thoughts
If you think your hamster might be overweight, don’t wait to take action. Putting your hamster on a diet and increasing their exercise can help them slim down and live healthier lives. Use the tips in this article to get started, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. With a little effort, your fat hamster will return to its healthy self in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY IS MY HAMSTER SO FAT?
They gain weight and consume more food when they exercise on their wheel. This is particularly true while they are still young and prepared for the winter. It’s important to note that the increased body weight in active hamsters includes both increased fat and muscle.
CAN HAMSTERS BE OBESE?
Hamsters love to eat and nibble, much as other pets do. Unfortunately, this means that your pet may gain weight rapidly! In hamsters, obesity is not unusual and may lead to or aggravate major health problems!
WHAT FOODS MAKE HAMSTERS FAT?
Pro Protein The additional protein found in hard-boiled eggs, a little quantity of cooked chicken, or even some mealworms may help your slender pal gain a little weight. On the other hand, a slim hamster could need a little assistance bulking up. When feeding poultry or eggs, swiftly remove any uneaten leftovers.
HOW DO YOU TELL IF YOUR HAMSTER IS PREGNANT OR JUST FAT?
If a hamster seems to be gaining weight, she may be pregnant. Days before the birth, there is a definite bulge in her belly above her hips. She presents as nervous and restless. She starts to fill the nest with extra bedding materials and hoards more food than usual.
