Overweight dwarf hamster?

Question

I have a dwarf hamster and he is 7 and a half mounth old. He never use to be fat. To me it looks like he has gained some weight, but are his pouches just full, because I see the extra right under where his pouches would be. I have recently change his wheel from one in his cage to an expansion pack wheel, with tubes outside his cage leading to it. Does he like his old wheel more, I see him using it sometimes. I have also been putting him in his ball for about the last week. Is it there season to store food, over the summer! Im just wondering if he is overweight!!!!

Answer 1

Hey=)

Your hamster might weigh a few extra pounds because he doesn't like his new wheel.  If you see that his pouches are really big and you touch them and it feels like theirs food in them, then don't worry about it lol.  Just try to make sure he has as much excersise as possible so if he is overweight, he can be "skinny" again lol.

Answer 2

Its probably food in his cheek pouches, if thats the only place he's bigger. Maybe he's hiding his food in his pouches because you rearranged his cage and he's thinking you might take it?

If you're worried about the new wheel not being used enough, put the old one back in with his new one also.

You could also weigh your hamster (put him in a container and subtract the weight of the container since he's unlikely to stand still for you on a scale).

Typical hamster weights

robovorski .5-.75 oz (14-21 grams)

chinese 1-1.5 oz (28-42 grams)

campbells  1-2 oz (28-57 grams)

winter white 1-2 oz (28-57 grams)

Answer 3

It's probably just the food in the pouches. Hamsters gaining weight is good. Especially since yours is kinda old, you've had him for over half a year, that means hes really healthy if hes living strong. You feed him good, so dont worry. It's healthy and normal weight. =)