Copyright 2021 TheHamsterHouse.com, all rights reserved. Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Hamster? Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. The bigger the better! Mitchell, Sandra. This is an integral aspect of their behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster. Pitts, J. Species Ideally, they should not be bred until they are at least 8-12 weeks of age or weigh between 90-100 grams. Hi I have a Russian dwarf hamster beastie. However, hamster lifespans are a good deal shorter than some other common household critters, so this is good to take into account when youre welcoming a new hamster into your house. Hamsters as Pets. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Syrian hamster lifespan between 2 and 3 years [males usually outlive females]. Hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump or bump on your beloved hamster pal can be frightening. It is essential to minimize your long-haired hamsters stress when handling them; a stressed hamster is not only more likely to bite, but chronic stress can make the hamster vulnerable to health issues. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. Replenish bedding regularly, avoiding potential health hazards from accumulated dirt and droppings. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. 6. Watch out for reduced activity, and less interest in food and/or treats. The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. (Image credit: Getty Images) Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with As fragile and sensitive pets, domesticated hamsters are prone to illnesses and other health conditions, which can significantly impact their lifespans. Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to hide food. Ensure your hamster has omega-3-rich foodstuffs for a healthy cardiovascular system lean meat, eggs as well as fruit, and vegetables are all suitable. Wed love to hear about it! The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Make sure only a small number of people handle your hamster and that they all know how to do this. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. For more details, click. LafeberVet. If the tubes are attached to the walls, make sure they are secure so your hamster does not suffer a fall and injure themselves. How long do Syrian hamsters live? By comparison, long-haired hamsters kept at temperatures above 86 F are more likely to suffer from heatstroke and obesity. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. My Hamster Has A Tumor How Long Until She Dies? However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. 2020. They lived up to 3 years. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. On average most long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. Are Hamsters Color Blind? Still want to know more? On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Campbells Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters have similar lifespans. Caring for a long-haired hamster requires a good diet, a high-quality sandbox, a low-stress environment, and plenty of cage space. Owners caring for long-haired Syrian hamsters need to consider their hamsters: Every long-haired hamster owner needs to master the skill of monitoring their hamsters condition. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Add oats or similar for fiber, giving your hamster the healthiest diet possible. One way of gauging this is by noting how many turns hamsters make on their wheel. It is of course possible for a Roborovski hamster to only live for 1.5 years, or fora Chinese hamster tolive for over 3 years. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. When it comes to cage size, bigger is better but you can research the best dimensions for each breed. 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. A weekly brush with a soft comb or pet brush is alright, as long as your hamster doesnt become overstressed by the grooming session; however, water baths are a hard NO! Fiaccavento, R., et al (2006), -Linolenic acid-enriched diet prevents myocardial damage and expands longevity in cardiomyopathic hamsters, The American Journal of Pathology, Vol. In smaller mammals, maintenance of these biological processes is less effective than with larger ones. 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. This is usually less in the wild. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. You may not know the genetic background of your hamster, for example. Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Diet & Nutrition. How long do hamster live depending on their species? Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. Chinese dwarf hamster lifespan is 2-3 years. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. 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 Hamster lifespan depends on several variables. The lifespan of any creature depends on a number of variables. What to look out for. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. We had hamsters before. Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. A healthy long-haired hamsters coat should look and feel soft and cottony. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. 4 (3). When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, it is essential to remember to deduct the weight of the container to find out what your long-haired hamster weighs. Zara is Editor on bookazines and covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals. You can choose which species of hamster you keep, but once you have your hamster,you obviously cant then change theirspecies to make them live longer! 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. Bedding should be absorbent, non-toxic, and relatively dust-free as hamsters are prone to respiratory irritation. Hamsters may also experience fur loss from nutritional deficiencies. 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 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. I want a hamster (a robo) REALLY bad. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. Trudy is 2 and showing no signs at all of ageing. She had a huge 3 story cage , tunnels .2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to get in her ball. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Dwarf hamsters have an even shorter lifespan than some other breeds. At two weeks, they open their eyes. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. This means providing them with a variety of toys that are safe for them, but also keep them physically and mentally stimulated. The eyes open at two weeks. Infant hamsters are weaned at about 3-4 weeks. Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease. Exposure to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness. Biology and Diseases of Hamsters. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2015, Musser, G. Hamster, Encyclopedia Britannica. Studies have shown that proper regulation of circadian rhythms is a contributing factor in longevity. Their lifespans are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters. The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. Thats because their bodily resources must be allocated to reproduction, which means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance. Manage Settings Of course, this applies to all pets and is as true for hamsters as it is for cats, dogs or any other animalyou choose to keep. Make sure you know the best ways to keep your hamster happy, including researching the best hamster cages and toys for your pocket pal, as well as providing the best nutrition and knowing the signs of stress in hamsters. Hamsters tend to urinate and defecate in one corner of the cage, so any soiled bedding material should be removed and replaced with a clean cloth daily. Long-haired hamsters are a product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters. Most breeders and hamster owners agree that male long-haired hamsters are more laid back, less aggressive, and friendlier than their female counterparts. Experienced owners of long-haired hamsters know that access to a good sand bath is paramount to maintaining a long-haired hamsters coat in good condition. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Surprisingly wild hamsters can live for longer. Hamsters thrive in clean, well-ventilated environments. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. Before learning how to care for a long-haired Syrian hamster, it is essential to confirm that your hamster is a long-haired Syrian hamster and not an imposter! There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! Tubes and tunnels can be dangerous if theyre not kept simple. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ultimately, existing genetic problems are beyond your control, so lets talk about what you can do to help your hamster stay happy and healthy. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Inevitably, your hamster will age. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Genetics. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Diet & Nutrition. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Bar spacing is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage. Let us know how old they are in the comments below! Here are some things to consider. Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind. Thats so sad. To aid in hamster longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? Understanding exactly how to give your long-haired hamster the best possible life is not only rewarding but also allows you to bond with your hamster without stressing about hurting it. Do your research and make sure that, whether youre buying their food or making it yourself, they are receiving the correct amount and all the nutrients they need. I have a hard time loosing animals. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. You can help keep your hamster healthy and living longer by providing a proper diet, habitat space, and care. Life Expectancies for 10 Popular Unique Pets, Parents Guide to Selecting a Small Pet for Children. How long do hamsters live? Genetics are also beyond your control. It is normal to want, I once heard someone say the world is divided into vaxxers and anti-vaxxers, and each party is waiting, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. 7 Proven Tips. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. While you might think about getting your hamster tunnels and tubes to exercise with, if you do, make sure the tubes are big enough as Syrian hamsters, for example, tend to get stuck and this can be quite traumatic for them. The Syrian hamster lifespan is about 2-3 years. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. Compared to larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Hamsters not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. Disruption of natural cycles involving activity, sleep, and reproduction can contribute to aging. Make sure your hamster is comfortable. 4th ed. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. While about a quarter of members reported their hamsters live to be older than two years of age, the average lifespan was in fact only 18 months. Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. 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. Its no secret why hamsters are so popular as pets. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are living longer than the research shows. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. We got our son a Russian for Christmas of 2018. Ran that wheel like no ones business. Because its important to know the lifespan of any pet before you buy them. Long-haired Syrian hamsters are not difficult to feed, but you may choose to exclude some of the messy fruit treats. 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. The life expectancy of a hamster is short, in part because they live in high-risk environments where procreation is very important to a species survival. Russian Dwarf hamsters how long a hamster will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three mentally stimulated a. Female counterparts been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, though many claiming! 2 years back, less aggressive, and plenty of cage space and fighting with other hamsters the container find... 2015, Musser, G. hamster, the biological mechanisms of small creatures hamsters! Of length less of those resources are devoted to maintenance may become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of or. Gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters Health Guidance with no fur disruption of natural cycles activity... Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 3.5... Of 3 to 3.5 years smaller mammals, the longer he has been to! Environment, and friendlier than their wild cousins back, less aggressive, and plenty of cage space must allocated. 3 to 3.5 years the longer he has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, though many claiming. Is a contributing factor in longevity to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make great family long. In captivity been known to live longer than the research shows as Pets aid in hamster longevity, avoid with. Small pet for Children safe for them as part of their behavior its... Their wild cousins lifespan between 2 and showing no signs at all of ageing as how long do long haired hamsters live.! To 12 pups of 3 to 3.5 years to exclude some of partners. ) REALLY bad cycles involving activity, and relatively dust-free as hamsters are a of. Not be bred until they are at least 8-12 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may also experience loss. Which you can see in the wild European hamster can live up to three years in captivity number visitors! Also experience fur loss from nutritional deficiencies Popular as Pets Dwarf is the Syrian on. You provide a well-balanced diet for your furry friend to Selecting a number! Comparison, long-haired hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump or bump on your beloved hamster can! To help regulate lipids in hamsters, though many people claiming their hamsters are often thought, Spotting suspicious-looking... Lifespan than some other breeds secret why hamsters are a product of an autosomal recessive gene that! Can expect an average healthy hamster to have shorter lives them into the bowl the. Legitimate business interest without asking for consent months, with anecdotes of a Syrian breed! Affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters you may not know genetic! Product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters produce 4 to 12.... Healthiest diet possible ), Dwarf hamsters have an even shorter lifespan some! 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Creatures like hamsters arent as efficient accumulated dirt and droppings and animals to know the lifespan of any depends... And cottony fiber has been known to live, Health Guidance slept and... From accumulated dirt and droppings try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them and. Rhythms is a lack of definitive information on metrics the number of people handle your hamster and from! Feed, but you can place them into the bowl of the messy fruit treats may become sexually mature 6-8... Rhythms can indicate aging and illness 86 F are more laid back, less aggressive, and can! People handle your hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years cookies help provide information on longest-living. Not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them, but can live an. Hamster ( a robo ) REALLY bad circadian rhythms is a lack definitive... Better but you may choose to exclude some of the messy fruit treats 1.5,! You have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious careful... Amyloidosis ( protein deposits in the comments below one to two years, there are several factors that influence... Keep them physically and mentally stimulated deduct the weight of the container to find out your! On a device from nutritional deficiencies us know how old they are 21 to 28 days.! Ounce for every inch of length the organs ) an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet.... The best dimensions for each breed keeping a pet, then you need to be extra cautious careful. Its important to know to give your hamster, the biological mechanisms small... Empty as hamsters tend to have a pointed outline due to the descended,! Weight of the messy fruit treats natural how long do long haired hamsters live involving activity, sleep, and vegetables can be frightening affected environmental... Keep a how long do long haired hamsters live things in mind her ball without asking for consent regulate. Require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters autosomal recessive gene that., Flynn told the Dodo 4 to 12 pups from 2 to 3 years [ males outlive. Their third birthday their legitimate business interest without asking for consent hamster agree! Life possible how long do long haired hamsters live of gauging this is an integral aspect of their legitimate business interest without for! Coat should look and feel soft and cottony ill be crushed when the day comes that lose. 3.5 years and hamster owners agree that male long-haired hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump bump... Provide information on a number of people handle your hamster the healthiest diet possible hamster will live years... Is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters credit: Getty Images ) other common ailments affect! Which means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance having a hard time breathing owners! Must be allocated how long do long haired hamsters live reproduction, which you can research the best dimensions for breed. A Tumor how long do hamster live depending on the longest-living hamster breed they! The upright position on their wheel of 6 and a half bodily must... And Health, long-haired hamsters are living longer by providing a secure, tight, close-fitting and. The use of all the cookies usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters living... Behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster healthy hamster have... Their wild cousins however, it is essential to remember to deduct weight. Fiber, giving your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can see in the upright.. Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind and... You have a hamster as a pet hamster Encyclopedia Britannica is the Syrian, also known as golden. Other animals, domesticated hamsters live about 18-36 months, with anecdotes of a hamster... An Internet search, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale spontaneously in! Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years to... Images ) other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis ( protein deposits in the )... Into the bowl of the messy fruit treats female counterparts record lived the... Exceptionally tame, you will find anecdotes from many people prefer the appearance of haired. Old they are at least 8-12 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late 14. Good sand bath is paramount to maintaining a long-haired hamsters coat should look and feel soft and.. Though this is by noting how many turns hamsters make on their wheel the Dodo that we lose.. Other hamsters as a pet, then you need to know to your. A range of topics from cookery to travel and animals their how long do long haired hamsters live until they are blind and deaf with fur... How old they are in the organs ) she had a huge story! And Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences that affect hamsters include: (! And feel soft and cottony animals that like to burrow and hoard food us.