I got a chinese hamster called Daz from the Pets at Home adoption centre last August, and was told that at that time he was 18 and a half months old, it is now March which if that info was true would make him 24 and a half months old, but he is very active, goes on his wheel and likes to be picked up and eats loads. I attach a recent photo of Daz and would like to ask - do you think he looks 24 and a half months old? I know there is no definate way of knowing but what would you say on looking at his photo. Thanks
   

I'd say he looked 1.5 years old tops! I've never had a chinese hamster though

His coat looks in very good condition. I suppose dwarfies do live that bit longer than syrians but they still seem to start looking a bit scruffy as they age..

Thanks Bailey. Going on the photo does anyone think that he could be entered in a show and stand any reasonable chance of getting anywhere? It is very awkward to know what to do as I don't know his real age and I don't want to do anything if he is perhaps too old

I couldn't age him Terance as he looks healthy and fit. As long as you feel he is well, settled, tame and happy there is no reason why you couldn't give him a try at a show just to see how he did. If you feel it would stress him then leave it but he looks a sociable little fella. I have seen quite elderly Chinese entered that look as if they have been in the wars before

If you were going to a show and would be staying all day you could alwayd enter him and see how he does

Thanks Souffle, He is lively enough and very sociable, his coat is in a lovely condition and he (and myself) love it when he wraps his body round my finger

He looks gorgeous Terance. It's hard to say, but he certainly doesn't look very old. My 2.5yr old chinese chap is scruffy.

I started showing with a P@H rescue chinese dom spot (a girl called Sparky). I was so pleased when she won the novice trophies. Just don't take the judges comments or points personally. I learned so much from showing Sparky in terms of what the judges are looking for, and also some pointers on how to look after her better.

Just to let everyone know, I will not be showing Daz. I do not know his real age and as such I do not feel it would be the right thing to do.