Albert

[Frida]

Earlier this evening Albert was showing signs of wanting to come out of his cage. I asked Albert to wait a few minutes while I put the fridge and frozen food shopping away. Albert was having non of it. So my hubby said "if you get Albert out I'll sit with him on the sofa". So I got Albert out and put him on the sofa with my hubby. When I'd finished putting the shopping away I went to check on hubby and Albert. To my surprise hubby was sitting on the footstool looking at the sofa. I asked "what are you doing?" Hubby replied "Albert has just had a snack of seeds he had in pouches and is now fast a sleep behind the cushion". My hubby gently removed the cushion to show me and then put it back. Albert looked so cute. I just can't believe Albert needs a whole sofa to himself

 

[Maz]

That's so cute that he went to sleep behind a cushion He must be a very relaxed hamster.

 

[elusive]

That is really cute wanting to come out for a nap, with the whole sofa to himself!

 

[ilguy]

Good on your husband for being so careful with him, and letting him nap!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Aww! That really is adorable! Albert is so calm and snuggly.

 

[Frida]

I didn't see Albert yesterday. I woke up at 2 this morning after having a bad dream. I came downstairs to check on Albert. He came to the front of his cage and I chatted to him. He gave me a whisker kiss through the bars and I went back to bed. Albert is my little sweet heart

 

[elusive]

Perfect after a bad dream, nice one Albert.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Sorry to hear you had a bad dream. I know how upsetting they are. Albert is so sweet and knows just how to cheer you up.

 

[Maz]

They can be very comforting sometimes can’t they.

 

[ilguy]

So sweet of Albert, he must have been pretty excited to see his human up during the middle of his day

 

[Frida]

Should I be worried?

Over the last few weeks I've noticed Albert wants extra cuddles. Especially if I'm going out. I think Albert knows the sounds of me getting ready to go out. He always comes running out of his nest/house just before I leave the house. He makes it very clear he wants to come out and if I don't open the cage door straight away he will attack the bars. Btw this is the only time he attacks the bars. When I open the cage door Albert climbs straight onto my hand. I hold him against my chest for a cuddle and talk to him. I do this for about 5 minutes and then give him a pumpkin seed or similar and put him back. If my hubby or son are at home they've told me Albert will sit by the cage door for a bit and then he goes back to bed. I know Dwarf Russian hamsters can get very attached to their owners and my hubby believes Albert is very attached to me.
I'm worried Albert knows he's going to die soon and this is why he's showing me extra love. Albert isn't showing any signs of illness or old age. My hubby is also worried too.

Opinions please.

 

[Maz]

I'm so sorry to hear you're worried Frida. These are things we can't really know. How old is Albert now? It could simply be that he wants attention when he sees you and knows you're going out. If he seems well in himself and eating and drinking normally, and active, I wouldn't worry too much x

 

[Frida]

I'm so sorry to hear you're worried Frida. These are things we can't really know. How old is Albert now? It could simply be that he wants attention when he sees you and knows you're going out. If he seems well in himself and eating and drinking normally, and active, I wouldn't worry too much x

Because I adopted Albert I can't be sure of his age, but he's about 15 months. He is eating and drinking normally. No lumps or bumps. Running on his wheel. Digging and tunneling. Enjoying free roaming and climbing the stairs. He still gives himself a good wash and brush up. Soft and fluffy fur.

 

[Maz]

He sounds like he's doing fine I think the kind of behaviour when a hamster might be nearing their time, is usually when they are already showing signs of failing - when they try and let you know they are near their time. Albert sounds quite energetic. He probably is very attached to you and maybe doesn't like it when you leave the house. It sounds like you're doing all the right things.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Sounds to me like Albert just loves his Mum and knows when you go out it means he will not see you. He is so sweet and your bond is so special. I personally do not think it is anything to worry about. You are both very close. I remember when you first adopted him he would go to you for cuddles when he was out his cage and felt unsure. He gets a lot of reassurance from you.

 

[elusive]

You have a wonderful bond with Albert Frida & I really think that you don’t have anything to worry about, Albert isn’t that old & sounds to be in good health.
I’ve had similar behaviour with Russian hams & don’t think anything you said indicates a health or old age problem, when a ham trusts you that much they don’t tend to hide signs of illness so much as they don’t feel as vulnerable as some might so if there was a health issue I think you would see some more obvious signs of that.

 

[Frida]

Thank you Maz, Rainbow and Elusive
I'll try not to worry.

 

[ilguy]

He loves you very much, I think everyone's right and he really wants to see you. Give that little sweetie all the love in the world!

 

[Frida]

He loves you very much, I think everyone's right and he really wants to see you. Give that little sweetie all the love in the world!

Thank you

 

[Frida]

I think I might of made this treat puzzle too hard. Albert gave up and went digging instead

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