My hamster has two-toned fur. Is it his food, shedding, or normal?

As hamsters age they can get a disorder known as bald hamster syndrome where they start to lose hair. I would suggest going to your vet though to rule out other reasons for hair loss such as infection or parasites.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to PetCoach. Depending on the genes of the two hamsters who mated, a variety of different hamster colors can be created - even if it doesn't seem to match either of the parents. This is because of dominant and recessive genes/alleles that compete for expression in the genome. Here is a website that explains the genetics of syrian hamsters, for example. http://www.midlandhamsterclub.co.uk/articles/genetics.html I hope this is helpful!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Gus sounds very handsome! I think this is probably normal. Coat changes happen frequently in many different types of animals. Sometimes it is seasonal, sometimes it is a normal from ageing. As long as the skin and hair looks healthy I would not be worried. Personally, I think it is likely age related. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Typically hair loss in hamsters comes with age. Older hamsters can lose their hair due to a lack of protein (less than 16%) or iron in their diet. Other hamster illnesses can cause hair loss including sarcoptic mange, demodex mites, ringworm or disease such as kidney or Cushing’s disease. When you can get him to a vet for an exam I suggest you do so. In the meantime I suggest that you make sure he has a high quality diet and cut back on cereals if you are giving him any. You can give him one drop of cod liver oil daily. You can also use this spot-on product in case the problem is mites. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beaphar-Anti-Parasite-Hamsters-Gerbils-Rabbits/dp/B073H1GXSR/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=hamster+food+oxbow&qid=1587944081&sr=8-8

I am sorry that sesame isn't himself right now. My biggest concern is that something is causing the crust in the hair on his rear end. He potentially could have a wound, skin infection, parasites or even diarrhea. The hair is likely falling out secondary to this dried debris and him potentially chewing. I would strongly recommend you contact your veterinarian for an exam so they can figure out what is causing the fur to stick together in the first place and possible medications if needed. I hope this sweet boy starts to feel better really soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Snowball and including photos, although they are out of focus and difficult to view. Hair loss and redness on the skin might be indicative of an allergic dermatitis. Any contact with new bedding, fabrics or detergents? Mites or moist dermatitis are also possible. Try removing wood chips, fabrics and replace with paper products like Carefresh. If the condition worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

The spot on his back may be contributing to his condition, but you should check his teeth first. A hamster's teeth are always growing, so they need to chew constantly to keep them trimmed. If they don't, it can lead to overgrown or misaligned teeth which can certainly affect the appetite. If his teeth need to be trimmed, your veterinarian will need to do it. In the meantime, soak hos food to soften it. Keep his cage clean and dry. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor. If the spot on his back is due to minor infection or irritation, you can try gently cleaning it with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution once or twice daily. Be sorento dry it thoroughly afterwards.