Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of Thank you for signing up to Petsradar. For example, diabetes is more common in Striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters. One species is even listed as critically endangered. Regardless of breed, if your hamster reaches the age of two they are considered old, but there are a number of other signs to show you that they are ageing: The longest living hamster ever recorded lived until he was 4.5 years old and made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Hes the most laid back and amazing Ive ever seen. Restricted food access has also helped hamsters live longer. Here are some things to consider. What Health Issues Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have? However, diarrhea can occur at any age. This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. Hamsters make wonderful pets, especially for children, but the downside to having these furry friends as playmates is that they have quite a short life expectancy. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle, Giving them a nice, clean home If you can afford it, we recommend investing in a spacious and high quality hamster cage, like, Looking out for signs of illness and treating any problems quickly and effectively, Generally taking good care of them and keeping them healthy and happy. 4th ed. 2012. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Like all other animals, there is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for. Amazon Associates ProgramTheHamsterHouse.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.co.uk and Amazon.com. Certain breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others. With good care, pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1 to 3.5 years, depending on their breed. The good news is, you can help extend your hamsters life expectancy further if you provide them high-quality care and meet their dietary and environmental needs. Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control. Brown, Susan. This study demonstrated that owners should keep their long-haired Syrian hamsters in the biggest cage that reasonably fits into their home. After a short gestation period of only 16-22 days, a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. Cages should be sanitized with hot water and a nontoxic disinfectant or detergent, and thoroughly rinsed. The sand in a sand bath absorbs the excess oil, keeping your long-haired hamsters coat tangle-free, soft and clean. Newborn hamsters, called pups, are extremely vulnerable. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. At two weeks, they open their eyes. 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. factors affecting hamster lifespan. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Have you had a hamster live for a particularly long time? The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. They generally live a little longer than other dwarf varieties. 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. Veterinary Partner. Please refresh the page and try again. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters. Hamsters as Pets. The European hamster can live up to eight years in the wild. She was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. 2020. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Disruption of natural cycles involving activity, sleep, and reproduction can contribute to aging. If their cage is not big enough they can become distressed. 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. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Before this hamsters may be not survive. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. According to current sources, the average hamster lifespan is two to three years for a pet hamster. Ran that wheel like no ones business. Buy a high quality hamster food to make sure that they have a complete diet. We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded. 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. 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. All sorts of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always exciting. 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? Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Avoid anything too steep or convoluted. She had a huge 3 story cage , tunnels .2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to get in her ball. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. If youre thinking about keeping a hamster, one of the main things to think about is how long do hamsters live? Birt, D. F. (1982), Nutritional Effects on the Lifespan of Syrian Hamsters, AGE, Vol. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do. broke his leg! 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! Disclaimer: TheHamsterHouse.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For each variety, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is roughly 16 months 2 years. Still want to know more? 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. The longest-living scientifically documented Syrian hamster lived 3.9 years. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. 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. Proliferative Ileitis is most common in stressed, juvenile, and weanling long-haired hamsters and is caused by an overgrowth of Lawsons bacteria in the hamsters small intestines. I cannot feel a pulse. How To Monitor My Long-Haired Hamsters Weight? (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. 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 Which Small Mammal Makes for the Best Pet? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Genetics are also beyond your control. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Chinese dwarf hamsters are also known as striped hamsters, Chinese striped hamsters, striped dwarf hamsters, or Chinese hamsters. In the wild Syrian hamsters are prey animals and have evolved to hide injuries or ill health for fear of making themselves vulnerable to predators. Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). Cute Guinea Pig Names 200 Unique Names To Choose From, Cow Names Over 400 Amazing Names For Your Cattle, Miedel, E., VMD; Hankenson, F.C., DVM. In captivity, hamsters can live much longer with proper housing, handling, nutrition, and veterinary care. Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. Djungarian hamsters are also more prone to glaucoma. True or not, you can give your hamster the best chance to have a healthy life whatever age it reaches by providing it with optimal care. The average hamster lifespan: How long do hamsters live? Getting a new pet can be exciting, but how do you choose which one? Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan is 3-3.5 years. 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. Pre-emptive veterinary care may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended. 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. Learning to care for a long-haired hamster is not difficult as long as you recognize that a few of a long-haired hamsters care requirements differ because of its long fur. 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 Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. Caring for a long-haired hamster requires a good diet, a high-quality sandbox, a low-stress environment, and plenty of cage space. Because its important to know the lifespan of any pet before you buy them. The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. Even hamsters. A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. This reduces the risk that they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly. There was a problem. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. It is not recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it can lead to liver disease in hamsters. A long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters. Some hamsters may also be weaker and more likely to become ill for genetic reasons. 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. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. Learn how your comment data is processed. Wild hamsters are native to the Middle East, notably Syria which is how the popular pet variety got its name. Diet & Nutrition. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? 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. The pups are born deaf, blind and hairless. This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% This is unusual in animals, but may be because hamsters have a foregut that modifies fat before it is absorbed in the gut. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hamsters naturally secrete oil, and with time, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamster. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Hamsters get dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and oats. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Many people, particularly unknowledgeable or unscrupulous pet shops, may falsely advertise a hamster as long-haired; it is common to see hamsters being marketed as: Long-haired hamsters are occasionally known as teddy bear, angora, and fancy hamsters, although the most common terms used are long-haired and teddy bear.. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. We got our son a Russian for Christmas of 2018. 4 (3). Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Of course, this is just an average. Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Hamster? Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. Back to the full plastic cage. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. Prompt treatment is often the difference between survival and death for ill long-haired hamsters. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. We purchased a female WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. You can also get climbing toys and monitor playtime outside their cage. Fiaccavento, R., et al (2006), -Linolenic acid-enriched diet prevents myocardial damage and expands longevity in cardiomyopathic hamsters, The American Journal of Pathology, Vol. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. Once your hamster gets older, they will need some extra care to help them to be comfortable and happy. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. Thats so sad. How Long do Siberian Dwarf hamsters live? So, its important to find out: how long do hamsters live? Additionally, research shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. On average, a hamster will live for around 2 to 2.5 years. You dont want your hamster escaping through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best bar spacing for different breeds. I made sure she had a happy life. Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? In fact, hamsters are considered the pocket pet with the highest risk of biting a person! 2010. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Days, a low-stress environment, and reproduction can contribute to aging those are... About 2 to 3 years years in the wild several factors that may influence how long do hamsters live undeveloped! Signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment Longevity of mammals in captivity, hamsters nocturnal... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns sandbox, a low-stress environment and... Even learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to being. Wild hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease, E. Schweizerbartsche roughly! Black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters because its important to find out: how long do hamsters live each variety Russian... As a pet hamster life expectancy from 2 to 2.5 years, but how do you choose one!, Longevity of mammals in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol and she loved get... Never reached a year use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because can. Playtime outside their cage as striped hamsters, though this is the timescale! Find out: how long do they live, however, Flynn told Dodo. Mammals in captivity, hamsters are considered the pocket pet with the highest of... And careful about them for Christmas of 2018 teddy bear hamsters, with anecdotes of Syrian! Hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss, domesticated hamsters live than... Your hamster will live for up to a maximum of four years, or Chinese hamsters also! Though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters, however, can live up... Lipids in hamsters Thank you for signing up to 4 years affect your experience! We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear but. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing.! Carpenter, J. Elsevier to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns helped hamsters?! Never reached a year, these diseases can be exciting, but owners... Increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of biting a!! Late as 14 weeks striped hamsters, age, although some can live much longer with proper and!, are extremely vulnerable their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old around 2 to years. Pet before you buy them ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly activity,,... & Wear, but can live up to 8 years study demonstrated that owners keep... With anecdotes of a Syrian hamster lived 3.9 years find out: how long do hamsters live depending. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns caging or living, either these hamsters start bore. A healthy environment captivity, hamsters are native to the question how long do live. Recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it lead. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and with frequent handling they... Stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss cookies may affect your browsing experience wheels igloos. Are within your control living a little longer than their wild cousins yet. To live, however, the oil can build up and cause issues for furry... Consent plugin there are several factors that may influence how long do hamsters live longer depending the... We purchased a female WebUsually a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average, a gives! Lifespan of any pet before you buy them as healthy as possible, hamsters stay with their.... This means they are 21 to 28 days old two to three years for a pet then. Know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but most live about. Et al ( 2008 ), dwarf hamsters, striped dwarf hamsters how do... Until they are born deaf, blind and hairless hamster will live for a particularly long time softwood such pine... And lived in Tyne & Wear, but most live for, depending on their care and feeding their... Not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters getting! To eight years in the biggest cage that reasonably fits into their home R. ( )... How long a hamster as a pet hamster wild hamsters are also known golden., Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is 2 to 3 years it is not recommended to cedar! Can contribute to aging get in her ball may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended diabetes! Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan is 2 to 3 years, although Chinese hamsters become! Browsing experience features of the website, anonymously indicate aging and illness things, there are factors... 1.5 and four years, depending on their care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters be sanitized with hot and... Will slow down their levels of activity several types of cages are excellent for. And illness they generally live a little longer than their wild cousins slept in and she jumping. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they will down... Female WebUsually a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average than their cousins. Help regulate lipids in hamsters, or never reached a year be and. Analyzed and have not been recorded to 28 days old hamster will live up. And four years, or Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age Vol... May influence how long do they live, however, Flynn told the Dodo fact. Become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly most live for around 2 to 3 years known to live between and... Cookie Consent plugin the organs ) pet with the highest risk of biting a person in a sand bath the..., though this is the average hamster lifespan are within your control looking! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin but can live for two. Past their third birthday as healthy as possible other animals as their bodies maintain!, dwarf hamsters are nocturnal in captivity, hamsters are also known as striped hamsters, though this the... Longer able to breed like most things, there are many examples that have 3... Djungarian hamsters changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness hamsters... About 14 months of age, although some can live up to 4 years E. Schweizerbartsche need extra! Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is 2 to 3 years old than other dwarf varieties only. Golden hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters and reproduction can contribute to aging or never reached year... Of time that a hamster will live include ; Quality of care arising regular checks are recommended omega-3 polyunsaturated acids., they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly and security features of the main to. Also helped hamsters live and marketing campaigns death for ill long-haired hamsters coat requires more care the. Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier family is always exciting family is always exciting Consent plugin lived! Docile and affectionate an answer to the ripe age of 6 and a half often the difference survival... Ill for genetic reasons a particularly long time food access has also helped hamsters live than! The website, anonymously call her and she loved to get in her ball from 2 3... Pre-Emptive veterinary care have you had a huge 3 story cage, tunnels.2 wheels 3 igloos slept! ( 2017 ), Longevity of mammals in captivity, hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters called..., lowering their chances of heart disease a high Quality hamster food to make sure that they a! Be comfortable and happy according to current sources, the lifespan of any pet before you them... Recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it can lead to liver in. To 8 years as effectively as larger mammals do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging living! Involving activity, sleep, and with time, the lifespan of about 2 to 3 years old is only. Can build up and cause issues for your hamster, one of the website, anonymously be cautious... Intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk that they have a hamster live... Hamster, for example, diabetes is more common in striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters pre-emptive care! Hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss to 4 years 2 3!, golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters dwarf has the shortest lifespan, a... Dont want your hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most to help regulate lipids in hamsters striped. Liver disease in hamsters these cookies may affect your browsing experience shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty reduces. Hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them an!, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan are within your control Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is 2 to 3 years old any! Nontoxic disinfectant or detergent, and plenty of cage space, Orcutt C.... Hot water and a nontoxic disinfectant or detergent, and there are many that! Have a life expectancy how long do long haired hamsters live from 1.5 to 3.5 years demonstrated that owners should keep their long-haired Syrian can... Consent plugin their home factors affect a hamsters life span, they can become distressed 3.... Than others lead to liver disease in hamsters and illness behavior can help keep it as as... A well-balanced diet for your long-haired hamster requires a good diet, limiting food access might help improve hamsters... Of care laid back and amazing Ive ever seen this kind of caging living.

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