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.
Using a pressure cooker to make this flavorful chicken soup speeds time cooking the pearl barley; a process that normally takes 1-2 hours can happen in 9 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, use a heavy stockpot for stovetop cooking, add more stock, as some will cook away, and allow more cooking time. Stir chicken stock into tomato puree; cook and stir over high heat until just boiling, about 5 minutes. 2  Cover and lock pressure cooker. 3  Cook over high heat until steam begins to build and steadily escapes. 4  Lower heat to medium-low; cook for 20 more minutes. 5  Remove from heat; allow all the steam to naturally release.