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.
Add onions and garlic; cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots and green peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add browned beef, lentils, tomatoes, stock, barley, brown sugar, basil, bay leaves and pepper; bring to a boil, breaking up tomatoes with back of a spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, for 45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve.