hamster sounds

Question
Hello. I currently have just one Siberian Dwarf, Ace. Ace was given to me a couple of years ago by a girl who works at a Pet Store. He & his very substantial family- what appeared to be about 5 generations, all I believe fathered by him- had been left on the doorstep there by someone who had obviously snapped under the unexpected hamster population boom. Anyway, I don't know his age, tho I realize he's getting up there. He has NEVER been vocal at all until very recently. He now sometimes makes a repeated chirp, somewhere between a squirrel's bark and a tiny hen cluck. Sometimes it is with enough force that he seems to be coughing and this concerns me. I try to see that he gets plenty of fresh air, I haven't changed his diet- he's always eaten everything with an emphasis on roast beef-  or his type of bedding since the day i got him (I read a bit about allergies). He's eating well and drinking lots of water, still comes out to play and bite me... is there anything you know of to give them for respiratory ailments? It's so hard to find good hamster info on the web beyond some FAQ! Thanks very much.

Answer
Hi Terry,

    Well, it might just be a part of aging.  I had a Campbell's Dwarf hamster that died about year ago, and when she was around 2 years old (which is just an estimate, as she was given to me as an adult), she began making similar noises.  I was concerned, but she made these noises sparingly, so I figured she was just making a harmless cough.  However, if your hamster is making these noises more than once in a while, and the cough sounds a little harsh, you need to take him to a vet.  Hamster illnesses (which this may be) can cause a hamster to deteriorate rapidly, especially if he's aging.  
    As for the bedding - you mentioned you use the same type of bedding you've always used, but unless this bedding is Aspen or Carefresh, it is not a safe type of bedding.  Just make sure you use one of these types.  
    Also, I would recommend you get a second opinion.  This is always helpful, and I always make sure I get a second opinion, even if the person is fairly confident about his/her abilities.  It's just to be very sure, as you want your hamster to get the best care possible.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly