Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly, she said, and how much your hamster shows his or her age will depend on a number of things, including their individual personality and energy level. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your hamster live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the barley. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, drain, and set aside. When the soup is ready, add the barley and cook the soup for another 15 or 20 minutes, until the barley is tender.
1 Over high heat, bring the soaked barley and water, uncovered, to a boil. 2  Cover, and reduce the heat to low. 3  Allow the grain to simmer for 45 minutes*. 4  Do not add salt until AFTER it is cooked, since it can block absorption of water.5  Once cooked, it will always retain some chewiness.f you start out with 2 cups of unsoaked barley, and then soak it, you would add 6 cups of water when cooking. 1  Over high heat, bring the soaked barley and water, uncovered, to a boil. 2  Cover, and reduce the heat to low. 3  Allow the grain to simmer for 45 minutes*. 4  Once cooked, it will always retain some chewiness.