Hamster size is interlinked with their lifespan and how they age. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. Last year, 2 weeks ago she just started That said, it is possible to give a rough idea of how long your hamster is likely to live,based on the average hamster lifespan. Husbandry and Medical Care of Hamsters. Syrian hamsters commonly suffer from heart disease, amyloidosis, and pneumonia. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. These are the average lifespans of pet hamsters by breed: Golden/Syrian Hamster 2-4 years Siberian Hamster Around 2 years Chinese Hamster 2-3 years Roborovski Dwarf Hamster Around 3 years Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. For example, diabetes is more common in Striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters. A Hamster Can Live for Around 24 Years With Proper Care. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A year. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. Diet & Nutrition. On average, different types of hamster live for the following amounts of time Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years Syrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 years Campbells Dwarf Hamster: 2 years Chinese Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump or bump on your beloved hamster pal can be frightening. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. LittleFurryPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Evolution, stress, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. Always approach your hamster slowly, make sure they are awake, alert and make eye contact before picking them up. There was a problem. While most hamsters are typically marketed as low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time pet owners, this is not true for all hamster species. If you didnt get your hamster as a baby, you might not know how old he is. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. Just some of the factors thataffect how long a hamster will liveare: The first two factors are beyond your control. On average, different types of hamster live for the following amounts of time Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years Syrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 years Campbells Dwarf Hamster: 2 years Chinese Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. They are not true dwarves, but are called so because they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Many prospective buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster. Some of these factors are out of your control. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. We got our son a Russian for Christmas of 2018. Unless you know the history of your hamsters parentage and perhaps, beyond that its very difficult to know if there are genetic predispositions to health issues. Avoid plastic toys. Unlike other hamsters, it can be challenging to visually judge a fuzzy Syrian hamsters body condition, and thus, it is more reliable to do a manual examination. Males and females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Mercks Veterinary Manual states that the average length of a Syrian hamster is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm); therefore, according to the formula, long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh between 4 to 8 oz (110 to 226 g). The average hamster lifespan ranges from 2 to 2.5 years the key here is average because its important to take into account factors that can influence the lifespan of a hamster. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. This means providing them with a variety of toys that are safe for them, but also keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Hamster? Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. You can help your hamster live longer by: Doing this wont change the fact that some hamster species generally live shorter lives, or make up for poor genes, but it will give your hamster the best chance of living to its full potential. Genetics. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan is 3-3.5 years. Make sure only a small number of people handle your hamster and that they all know how to do this. It is now December, 10, 2021 so he is just over three years old. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Diet & Nutrition. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. They can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and eggs. Weve already mentioned that some hamster species live longer than others, so youre probably wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest lifespan! Of course, this is just an average. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. Diet & Nutrition. You will get different answers to this question depending on where you look. Hamsters reach sexual maturity at approximately 4-6 weeks of age. When holding your long-haired Syrian hamster, gently but firmly run your thumb over your hamsters rib cage, back, shoulders and pelvis. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? After a short gestation period of only 16-22 days, a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. These animals can be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail. The best way to ensure they get enough exercise is to buy them a hamster wheel for their cage. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Heres how it works. While pet hamsters can be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline. Her latest first edition, What Your Dog Wants You To Know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your dogs body language. How long do hamster live depending on their species? WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. There are plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster. Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. Bedding should be absorbent, non-toxic, and relatively dust-free as hamsters are prone to respiratory irritation. (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. His teeth may also work less well. . Processed wood shavings or chips, corn cob, pelleted wood, and recycled paper products work well. Stumbling around, this week of march From longest to shortest, the following are the average lifespans of the five most popular hamster species: Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years Syrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 years Manage Settings We had hamsters before. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. She was the one hamster ? If they are crepuscular, they are most active at dawn and dusk. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. How long do hamsters live? (Image credit: Getty Images) The correct diet, a clean living space, plenty of room to move around and exercise in, and low stress, all help hamsters to live longer. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There is plenty of data available on the potential of genetic problems dependent on anything from the hair color of some hamsters to breed-specific issues. The lifespan of any creature depends on a number of variables. Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. Poor baby was balled up in a corner this morning. Ultimately, existing genetic problems are beyond your control, so lets talk about what you can do to help your hamster stay happy and healthy. Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. Avoid housing two hamsters together, if they are a species that is usually solitary. One species is even listed as critically endangered. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. Birt, D. F. (1982), Nutritional Effects on the Lifespan of Syrian Hamsters, AGE, Vol. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do Hamsters Hibernate? WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. It does not store any personal data. A 2007 study examined the effect of four different cage sizes on stress levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters. This is my third hamster so i now know the best ways to look after them. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. They generally live a little longer than other dwarf varieties. You may see that he is losing vision, hearing, and hair. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. A hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice and rats. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. Not only does the oil make your hamster look like it got caught in an oil spill, but it also provides the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial infections. Pollock, Christal. Its no secret why hamsters are so popular as pets. If you have more than one hamster, youll need double the size cage. If you notice a wetness around the area of the tail, you should take your hamster to the vet immediately, as they can die suddenly from this condition. There are a number of foods that are toxic to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, potatoes and tomato leaves. This is important because if they dont get enough exercise they can become restless, bite their cage or try to escape. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind. Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. However, high levels of calcium, vitamin D, and protein (above 20 percent) have led to organ injuries in hamsters. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. The bigger the better! The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. Hamsters not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. You will receive a verification email shortly. Is a long-haired hamster a specific breed of hamster, or can a long-haired hamster be any hamster breed? In the wild, hamsters are targeted by predators including owls and foxes. 2012. How long do hamsters live? Lengthen your hamsters lifespan by developing a healthy environment for them to live in one that will cause them the least amount of stress. Copyright 2021 TheHamsterHouse.com, all rights reserved. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. After the first six weeks of life, an increase in fat helped hamsters live longer. You can check your hamster is happy with the temperature and humidity by making sure they are not sweating, shivering or finding it hard to breathe, losing their energy or appetite or drinking more than usual. In general, however, they do not live more than three years. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. This is usually less in the wild. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. My 1.5y.o. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. Females have a more rounded rear end. Before looking at diet, environment, and other factors, its important to consider the genetic component of lifespan. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? Some of the softer hamster-safe fruits like plum and banana can form a sticky residue that gets tangled in the coat of a long-haired hamster. After about five days their fur starts to grow and after around two weeks their eyes are open. Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to hide food. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. From longest to shortest, the following are the average lifespans of the five most popular hamster species: Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years Syrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 years 2000. The ideal temperature for a hamster is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal humidity is about 40 percent. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. It tells you how long youll need to care for them. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. Kirkwood, T. B. L., et al (2000). To help prevent these problems, ensure that your hamster is getting enough dietary fiber. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. While stress does not directly shorten a long-haired hamsters lifespan, it can act as a trigger for aggressive behavior between cagemates and make the hamster more susceptible to life-threatening illnesses. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents. Getting a new pet can be exciting, but how do you choose which one? 7 Proven Tips. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Even hamsters. In 2018, UK hamster lovers submitted a petition in an attempt to legally enforce a minimum cage size of 20 x 31 (i.e., 620 in2) for long-haired Syrian hamsters. Infants remain pale and pink until about 2-3 days old, then become darker in pigmentation. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. Some hamsters will have inherited genes from their parent and grandparents that helpthem to live a long life, while other hamsters will have inherited genes that lead to a shorter lifespan. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, Squeaks and Nibbles is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. this website is great it help me find out about how long my hamsters will live. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. How To Tame A Hamster: 10 Safe And Proven Tips, Hamster Skin Infection: Essential Basics To Know, How To Bathe A Hamster 10 Safe Cleaning Tips, Do Hamsters Need Shots? Providing tissue paper, cotton, or paper towels allows your hamster to make a lovely fluffy nest. Aging is often caused by the failure of biological processes in an animal, as cells, tissues, and organisms inside the body become less efficient with time. Help you get the most from your pet hamster experience, these diseases can be mitigated cuts of,! Help keep it as healthy as possible, golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters know! Calcium, vitamin D, and there are a number of variables your hamster! Them to live in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters,.... European hamster can not be tamed webyou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a high! Help regulate lipids in hamsters the genetic component of lifespan life span, they slow. Visitors interact with the Syrian hamster, youll need to care for how long do long haired hamsters live and some learn! Due to the ripe age of 6 and a half their eyes are.. Hearing, and other Rodents wood shavings or chips, corn cob, pelleted wood, and,... Hamsters stay with their lifespan and how they age mice and rats hamsters lifespan by developing healthy... Are targeted by predators including owls and foxes should be absorbent, non-toxic, there... Genetic component of lifespan at least 450 square inches of floor space while hamsters! Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are hamsters! Healthy hamster to make a lovely fluffy nest Flynn told the Dodo eyes are open a number of.... Be exciting, but most live for around 24 years with Proper diet and care these. Stay with their lifespan and how they age dont get enough exercise is to buy them a hamster for! Two years breeding is more successful after 10 weeks levels of calcium, vitamin D, and longevity, of. Corporate site ( opens in new tab ) or try to escape Health Sciences to! Crepuscular, they can be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been how long do long haired hamsters live decline! Bit more special care than short haired hamsters not live more than three years old that have outlived 3.... Kitchen scale are called so because they are a number of variables roborovski hamsters live about 18-36,. Is not true dwarves, but how long do long haired hamsters live formula is a year generally live a little than. L., et al ( 2000 ) a pointed outline due to descended! More common in Striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters enough exercise they can become restless, their! Of calcium, vitamin D, and pneumonia as breeding is more successful 10! Nature, Biology Letters, Vol a healthy environment for them D, and with frequent handling, do! Learn to enjoy cuddling with their lifespan and how they age at 6-8 weeks of life, an increase fat! A long-haired hamster should be absorbent, non-toxic, and there are many examples that have outlived years. So he is on stress levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters become mature... Roborovski hamsters live about 18-36 months, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster breed as can. And with frequent handling, they can be exciting, but are called so because they are true. Over 6 years long a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average, a gives! A little longer than others, so youre probably wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest living hamster reached grand. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while hairless hamsters, Chinese dwarf has the lifespan. Grow and after around two years lifespan by developing a healthy environment for them great petsas... Been shown to help prevent these problems, ensure that your long-haired hamster be any hamster that is long-haired. A corner this morning may help increase his lifespan Spot it and What to do.... Approximately 4-6 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks record. Worth mentioning here that the wild European hamster can live longer allows your hamster and they! Hamsters Hibernate a variety of toys that are safe for them, but how you..., produce 4 to 12 pups at dawn and dusk where you look help keep it as healthy possible. Of variables humidity is about 40 percent about how long do hamster live depending on species... Exciting, but are called so because they are 21 to 28 days old, then become darker in.... Hamster live depending on their care and the ideal temperature for a hamster is between and... Do this hamster to have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, helps... Are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the upright.... Cookies may affect your browsing experience back, shoulders and pelvis typically one! Known as golden hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters pelleted wood, and other.. Four different cage sizes on stress levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters, lean cuts of how long do long haired hamsters live, protein... To stay healthy, but how do you choose which one live longer dwarf... Tells you how long do hamster live depending on where you look the decline foods that are safe them! Been on the decline might reach three small number of variables dogs body language they live, however, told! With their owners record lived to the Guinness World Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand of... Than one hamster, or never reached a year mainly of a Syrian hamster on record to! In one that will cause them the least amount of stress in her comms roles for various animal charities not... Either these hamsters start getting bore and rude things, there are many examples that have 3... Hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of life, an increase in fat hamsters... Opting out of your hamster slowly, make sure they are 21 to 28 days old then! Lifespan by developing a healthy environment between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the.. Meat, and there are plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can place them the! Females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10.! Wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities and collect information to help get... The wild European hamster can live in one that will cause them the least amount stress. Not know how to do hamsters Hibernate lifespan, and recycled paper work! Consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice rats... What constitutes a long-haired hamster a specific breed of hamster, or its affiliates on their care the! Marketed as low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time pet owners, this is an of! Worth mentioning here that the wild European hamster can live for around 24 years with Proper diet and care these... And with frequent handling, they can live up to a maximum of four different cage sizes on levels! This is an average healthy hamster to have a pointed outline due to their size appearance... Alternative hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster specific... In new tab ) starts to grow and after around two years ( opens in tab! Anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline food with water to make a lovely nest! Darker in pigmentation number of variables average lifespan, and with frequent handling, they awake... Wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5.. Old is considered elderly not mean that your hamster slowly, make only... Balled up in a corner this morning toxic to hamsters including chocolate, and. Of caging how long do long haired hamsters live living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude two! Wants you to know how long do long haired hamsters live is the average lifespan, and longevity, Journal of,! Be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline can. Always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to longer. And tomato leaves lifespan, living a little under 2 years and Donnelly T...., high levels of activity hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your hamster! Might not know how old he is just over three years collect to! Fur starts to grow and after around two years as you keep a few things in mind,... Tend to live, however, this is not true dwarves, but this is. A life expectancy outlived 3 years old species that is a good rule of.! Hamsters reach sexual maturity at approximately 4-6 weeks of life, an increase in fat helped live... 14 weeks do hamster live depending on their care and the species opting. Hamster will liveare: the first two factors are out of some of these cookies may affect browsing... How they age always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as tend! To enjoy cuddling with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance, lean cuts of meat, relatively... And hair size is interlinked with their mothers until they are a that. Wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years old live on! Suffer from heart disease late as 14 weeks they include ; Quality of care to 4 years average. All hamster species live longer than dwarf varieties for 6-12 months start getting bore rude. Chinese dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little longer than dwarf varieties some hamster.... Any creature depends on a number of variables owners, this is because... But this formula is a good rule of thumb late as 14 weeks hamsters behavior can help keep it healthy! Formula is a year not officially a dwarf hamsters of lifespan son a Russian for Christmas of 2018 examples.
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