my hamster dont eat and sleeps alot

Question
Hi Suzi, I have a teddy bear hamster and he is nearly two years old and within the last few weeks he has started scratching alot. And within the last few days he hasn't eaten alot and sleeps more. He doesn't even eat his vitamin treats which he has always loved and ate first before anything else. Can you tell me what might possibly be wrong with him and what I can do?

Answer
hey,
The best thing you can do is take him to the vet, especially id hes not eating. try and coaux him to eat with bits a of vegetable and makes sure hes drinking too.
 Check all the signs, his eyes, mouth/teeth,bottom/droppings and skin or fur.
 the scratching could be caused by a skin allergy, have you changed anything recently? different types of bedding/sawdust etc if not check for mites, sometimes you can see them in day light, but also check by using a torch to shine on the skin at night. if you see them take him to the vet becuase he'll need treatment. or you may be able to get some powder from a pet shop, have a look in your local store.
 2 years is quite old for a hamster, it could just be that he is slowing down. check his food store, it might be that he is eating from that still rather than the new lot of food. and most definatly check his teeth, they might not be ground down enough.check the droppings for over hardness, or softness.
 sleeping could also be a sign of old age, but to be sure about all this, your vet will tell you.
 i hope this helps. a good website for hamster illness is this one: http://www.petwebsite.com/health.htm
suzi x