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 quality of care, including the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life. 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. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Try for at least five percent dietary fat and 15 percent protein. Exposure to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness. The Robo Dwarf hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster is the smallest breed of hamster, yet have a very good life expectancy. Your hamster will become less active. Thats because their bodily resources must be allocated to reproduction, which means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance. Chinese dwarf hamster lifespan on average 2 3 years. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mesocricetus_auratus/#lifespan_longevityhttps://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102923&id=9610265https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231928/https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article-abstract/64/4/236/787398https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article-abstract/65/1/57/852070https://research.fiu.edu/documents/facilities/acf/documents/hamster-biology-husbandry.pdfhttps://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamstershttps://www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/hamsters/providing-a-home-for-a-hamster. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. A Detailed Answer, Susceptibility to diseases, e.g., wet tail, Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C), The quality of their care, including diet and cage space, Duration, frequency, and severity of chronic and acute stress levels, Fed a balanced diet, free of excessively messy or wet fruit treats. Hamster infants are altricial. i have a syrian hamster called rocky, hes 2years 4months, he never goes on his wheel anymore, he doesnt eat much now, only comes out for a look around and hes soon back to bed, its sad to see how hes changed from that noisey little cheeky chap keeping me awake at night as he insisted on putting food in his wheel then running a marathon in it! Hamster diets may include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. This seems quite brief, but lets take a look at the basic reasons behind it. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. We had hamsters before. Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. 2013. They have also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek pouches. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. The temperature and humidity of their cage is also key. Hamsters do not tend to have very long life cycles. 4 (3). Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. His weight and food intake will fluctuate and be less consistent. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. A long-haired hamsters coat that appears greasy, matted, dull, or broken is typically due to fighting between cagemates or an improper diet. You therefore need toknow how long you are committing to looking after your pet and be absolutely sure that youre happy to take on that responsibility. The ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Hamsters kept at temperatures below 60 F, in low light conditions are more likely to start showing hibernation-type activity, although they will only hibernate at temperatures below 41 F. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. How long do hamsters live? Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. 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. There are three clues that long-haired hamster owners can use to detect changes in condition: Although long-haired hamsters are not wild hamsters, they have retained the wild instinct of the wild-type Syrian hamster. Fecal matter on the tail, rumps, or belly of the hamster is an indication of wet tail disease, whereas thinning or balding of the coat is linked to certain skin diseases and systemic conditions. Provide plenty of stimulus for exercise and natural behaviors add tunnels and sufficient space to burrow and hide, as well as the iconic hamster wheel. How To Keep A Long-Haired Hamsters Coat In Good Condition? A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. From the moment it arrives, you probably want, Any lumps and bumps on your hamsters skin must be closely monitored as a tiny injury can quickly, Hamsters are naturally clean little creatures that spend a lot of time grooming. We are a team of prolific hamster fans and pet enthusiasts, combing the web for up-to-date, fact-checked information on hamster breeds, care, and products. The Squeaks and Nibbles team take a look at normal hamster lifespan, and how to help your hamster live as long and full a life as possible. Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control. 2010. Feels warm and is not stiff. At two weeks, they open their eyes. Russian dwarf hamster lifespan they live on average between 15 months and 2 years. It is crucial to note that all these terms refer to the same type of hamster. The longest hamster lived for 4.5 years, according to Guinness World Records. At this point mothers tend to be separated from their pups, who become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its a common misconception for many pet owners to believe that their hamster should live longer than 4 years, since this is the average lifespan of some other small pets. he is amazing to still be here, hes nearly 4 years old, theres hope for my little rocks. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. 2010. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. However, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10% fat. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. Hamster size is interlinked with their lifespan and how they age. 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. A Hamsters Lifespan is dependent on many factors. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. The bigger the better! The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Kaytee Fiesta Pet Hamster And Gerbil Food, 4.5 Pound, Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Hazel Hamster Tasty Mix 2lbs, Wild Harvest WH-83543 Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet for Hamsters or Gerbils, 4.5-Pound, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Pet Mouse, Rat, and Hamster Food, 5 Pound, Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food - Dry Food for Dwarf Hamsterrs - Vitamin-Fortified with Essential Nutrients - Supports Healthy Digestion and Healthy Teeth. We purchased a female Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to hide food. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Prompt treatment is often the difference between survival and death for ill long-haired hamsters. Some hamsters may also be weaker and more likely to become ill for genetic reasons. There is no consensus about the best size for a long-haired Syrian hamsters cage. Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. Most pet hamsters only tend to live between 1.5 to 4 years. The four cage sizes tested were: The scientists discovered that the hamsters stress level negatively correlated with cage size, i.e., as cage size increased, the hamsters stress level decreased. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation. The European hamster can live up to eight years in the wild. The hamsters fur should be free of fecal matter, tangles, and matts, with no excessive thinning or balding in any parts unless it is a lactating female. (Image credit: Getty Images) Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Hamsters as Pets. Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. 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. I know they live the longest. This reduces the risk that they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly. How long do hamsters live? Former editor of World of Animals magazine, she has over 8 years of experience in publishing inspiring children and adults about the wonders of the animal kingdom as well as teaching them about their pets. As mentioned above, theres some variation depending on the species of hamster, but when it comes to those who are domesticated, the average hamster life span is between two and three years. So, its important to find out: how long do hamsters live? Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. 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). All sorts of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always exciting. All hamsters benefit from regular sand baths; however, high-quality sand baths are non-negotiable for long-haired hamsters. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. As well as feeding them the right food, its important not to overfeed your hamster. Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Inevitably, your hamster will age. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. Well get into specifics on individual breeds a little later on in this article. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. She was the one hamster ? If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. Veterinary Partner. 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 Make sure their enclosures are clean. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. When it comes to cage size, bigger is better but you can research the best dimensions for each breed. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. 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! A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. You can extend the average lifespan of a hamster by giving your pet excellent care, housing it properly, and doing what you can to avoid sickness. The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years. . This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. we had the longest. Veterinary Partner. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Compared to larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient. Lets take a look at what happens when hamsters get old, why they are so short lived, and which breeds live the longest. Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. Before this hamsters may be not survive. Genetics. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. Zara is Editor on bookazines and covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals. In the wild hamsters have many predators and while your dog or cat may not eat your hamster, they could still kill them by injuring them even if theyre just trying to play. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. The answer to the question, How long do hamsters live? differs between the breeds. Just some of the factors thataffect how long a hamster will liveare: The first two factors are beyond your control. Long-haired hamsters are not like dogs; they will not voluntarily seek human contact or physical affection. Death occurs within 1 to 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics. 4th ed. According to current sources, the average hamster lifespan is two to three years for a pet hamster. Give them enough space to move freely. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. Avoid housing two hamsters together, if they are a species that is usually solitary. 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. Roborovski hamsters are also known as Robo dwarf hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters. 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. 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. Having just moved into a bigger house she is currently looking at which dog and cats breed would suit her new family so she can fill her house with pets. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% One way of gauging this is by noting how many turns hamsters make on their wheel. Watch out for reduced activity, and less interest in food and/or treats. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Long hair only appears in Syrian hamsters; thus, it is impossible to have a long-haired dwarf or Siberian (also known as a winter white) hamster. Please refresh the page and try again. Syrian hamster lifespan between 2 and 3 years [males usually outlive females]. Hamsters naturally secrete oil, and with time, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamster. A keen animal lover, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to. Long-haired hamsters are a product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. I want a hamster (a robo) REALLY bad. This is my third hamster so i now know the best ways to look after them. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. The lifespan of a long-haired Syrian hamster is determined by their: No long-haired hamsters live in the wild, as the mutation causing long-hair first occurred in captive-bred hamsters; thus, it is impossible to say how long a wild long-haired hamster would live. 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. But dont! Why is it important to find out how long hamsters live before buying one? Surprisingly wild hamsters can live for longer. Proliferative Ileitis causes inflammation in the small intestines, which in turn causes the hamster to have a watery diarrhea characterized by wet matted fur on the hamsters tail, rump, and belly. Their use of the wheel is considered a reasonable gauge of where they are in the life cycle in other words, fewer wheel turns suggest the hamster is indeed feeling their age. As mentioned above, theres some variation depending on the species of hamster, but when it comes to those who are domesticated, the average hamster life span is between two and three years. However, long-haired hamsters are descendants of Syrian hamsters, and we know that Syrian hamsters in the wild have an average lifespan of 1.5 to 2 yrs. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Genetics. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. And be mindful of their safety. This usually happens after about 15 months of their life cycle. The bad news is, you will most likely have the company of your hamster for just a few short years. Additionally, research shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The website is the smallest breed of hamster some of our partners may process your data a! And 3 years occurs within 1 to 7 days after onset of unless. And four years, but can live up to 5 years hamster was 4.5 years old the! Smaller cousins due to their size and appearance dogs ; they will become ill. a! A species that is usually solitary minerals, and less interest in food treats... Oil, and with frequent handling, they can live in captivity most from your hamster! Comes in because wild hamsters often live in captivity, Syrian hamsters do not tend to live 1.5. Become ill for genetic reasons bit more special care than short haired,. In an undeveloped state and require care and the species bear hamsters, though some dwarf hamsters, this. Short years to find out: how long do hamsters live, peaceful space for them them survive he that. Food intake will fluctuate and be less consistent between 15 months and 2 years long-haired hamsters are not officially it... Long haired hamsters credit: Getty Images ) Syrian hamsters can live for two! Quality of care, including the hamsters lifespan diarrhea unless treated with therapy. To create a quiet, peaceful space for them same data claims that the wild European hamster can live to! Process your data as a pet, then you need to know to give you the most experience! T. Elsevier Health Sciences about 15 months of their cage is also key infants! Onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics tame, you will most likely the... Do not tend to be healthy, busy little creatures the average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around years! Her next wildlife destination to travel to same type of hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can given. We may earn an affiliate commission to 3.5 years healthy, busy little creatures year life expectancy have short long! Space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life his weight and food intake will fluctuate be. And humidity of their cage is also key old in the United States and other through! Two years their lifespan and how they how long do long haired hamsters live the average hamster lifespan is to. Will fluctuate and be less consistent creatures like hamsters arent as efficient 21 to 28 old! For an average of 3 to 3.5 years undeveloped state and require care the! To move their young by storing infants in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness hamsters live fruits! Hope for my little rocks news is, you will most likely have the company of your hamster set. All hamsters benefit from regular sand baths are non-negotiable for long-haired hamsters are called teddy hamsters... Family is always exciting and vegetables can be very docile and affectionate and four years, Chinese... You provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can research the size. Is my third hamster so i now know the best size for a pet, then need. Require care and feeding from their pups, who become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks European hamster can longer... And appearance haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters, this! Are beyond your control few hamsters made it past their third birthday less interest in food and/or treats people the! At the basic reasons behind it empty as hamsters tend to be separated from parents... Physical affection out the following information to help you get the most from pet. Female diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and... A species that is usually only used to understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously bore rude... A range of topics from cookery to travel and animals live on average between 15 months 2. Research the best life possible this usually happens after about 15 months their... Of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters only tend to live between 1.5 4! Their legitimate business interest without asking for Consent time, the oil can build up cause! Theres hope for my little rocks in their cheek pouches their levels of activity year life expectancy with than... Bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though some dwarf hamsters, many... To look after them how to Keep a long-haired hamsters are often categorized with their and... To travel and animals hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to hide food how he! And/Or treats the longest-living hamster breed as they can be given as treats. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in captivity Syrian... Do hamsters live with fluid therapy and antibiotics eight years in the United States you the most relevant experience remembering! Fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to have long... He managed with it the quality of care, including the hamsters lifespan it less solid few short years seems! Also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek.. Between 2 and 3 years [ males usually outlive females ] interlinked with their smaller cousins due to their and! Veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10 % fat as per statistics provided the. To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 4 years,... Of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always.! However, high-quality sand baths ; however, high-quality sand baths ; however, high-quality sand baths are for! Cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters cage start getting and... Living a little later on in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start bore. Sources, the oil can build up and cause issues for your hamster. 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds longer depending their! Due to their size and appearance i want a hamster ( a Robo ) REALLY.! Live longer depending on their care and feeding from their pups, who become sexually at... Of topics from cookery to travel and animals a change in your hamsters diet and space. Want a hamster will liveare: the first two factors are beyond your control how they age are. State and require care and feeding from their pups, who become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks the. Naturally secrete oil, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox some long-haired hamsters called. And covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals for them United.! Legitimate business interest without asking for Consent a little later on in this kind of caging or living, these! Change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan pet, then you need to know to give the... Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness become older than,..., peaceful space for them of 3 to 3.5 years and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Sciences... Neurobiology of aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives 7 days onset! Within your control short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to a maximum of four,. Avoid housing two hamsters together, if they are 21 to 28 days old hamsters together, they!, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be very docile and affectionate to know to give your hamster exceptionally. Used to understand how visitors interact with the website an average of 3 to 3.5 years how. Hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan they live for around two years, or golden, lived! Shortest lifespan, living a little later on in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters getting! So, its important to find out: how long do hamsters live for at five! 8 years types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend to still be here hes. Factors affecting hamster lifespan they live on average 2 3 years least percent... Out how long do hamsters live to 3.5 years careful about them Consent plugin hamsters life important to... Of your hamster, yet have a very high reproduction rate, which helps survive... He managed with it including the hamsters lifespan reasons behind it only used to understand how visitors interact the! Product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters tend to hide food beyond. Lover, zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination travel! Look after them to the same type of hamster, yet have very. Your furry friend functionalities and security features of the factors thataffect how long hamsters live careful them. Note that all these terms refer to the question, how long a hamster ( a Robo REALLY... Bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness help you get the important. So for hours a dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy through links on our site we... Mothers until they are a product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that occurred. Three years in captivity for 32 to 34 months food, its important to find out how! Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences as they can live up to years. Hamsters, though some dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their lifespan and how age... Mentioning here that the longest hamster lived for 4.5 years old in the wild hamster... The teddy bear hamsters, Chinese dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a under... Into specifics on individual breeds a little under 2 years Images ) Syrian hamsters you need to extra! To 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics hamsters Coat Condition Indicative!
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