Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Clear any old food or waste from your hamsters cage once a day, carry out a deep clean once every one or two weeks including taking everything out of the cage, washing its bedding and wiping the entire cage down with a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. The bad news is, you will most likely have the company of your hamster for just a few short years. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. One species is even listed as critically endangered. However, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10% fat. 197. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. My baby Chelsea died this morning. Long-haired hamsters are susceptible to wet tail disease caused by Proliferative Ileitis. Pre-emptive veterinary care may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents. Many owners are tempted to bathe and brush their long-haired hamsters. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Exposure to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. In general, however, they do not live more than three years. Husbandry and Medical Care of Hamsters. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. 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. Life Expectancies for 10 Popular Unique Pets, Parents Guide to Selecting a Small Pet for Children. Basic Information Sheet: Hamster. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Always try and tailor it to your hamsters specific needs. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. 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. (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. 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. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. But dont! 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. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. There are a number of foods that are toxic to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, potatoes and tomato leaves. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Hi We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. Cute and adorable, these little busybodies bring much joy with their engaging personalities. Roborovski hamsters are also known as Robo dwarf hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters. They are, however, one of the few animals born with teeth. Hamster lifespan depends on several variables. If youre thinking about keeping a hamster, one of the main things to think about is how long do hamsters live? Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. we had the longest. So balance is needed. 2010. If their cage is not big enough they can become distressed. Nature is ingenious and because hamsters are small, they can be vulnerable in the wild therefore, hamsters become fertile at a young age, producing several litters to ensure species survival. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. 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. 2013. 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. Of course, this is just an average. I made sure she had a happy life. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Struggling to catch her breath. How long do hamsters live? Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to hide food. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. And find out how to help our hamsters live as long and happy a life as possible. 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. This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). (Image credit: Getty Images) However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What to look out for. Species This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. My Hamster Has A Tumor How Long Until She Dies? Diet & Nutrition. 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. 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. Disclaimer: TheHamsterHouse.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. While pet hamsters can be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Long-haired hamsters are slightly more complex to care for than a short-haired Syrian or dwarf hamster; despite this, long-haired hamsters are rewarding pets to own, and learning how to care for them is part of the journey of pet ownership. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with head facing up. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. How to Care for a Hamster Helpful information, and top care tips, Campbells Dwarf Hamster Helpful breed guide and top care tips, Dwarf Robo Hamster Complete breed guide and 10 tips to help tame your pet, Hamster Facts A round up of interesting Hammy Titbits, Black Bear Hamster Breed Guide and Facts. (Image credit: Frenjamin Benklin/Unsplash), Seven signs your cat isn't getting what it needs, Five signs of dog allergies you really need to know, hamsters need a mix of both protein and veg, Can dogs get sick from humans? Many factors can determine how long a hamster lives, but the main reason that they may live longer as pets is because they are cared for and protected from predators. Manage Settings This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. 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. 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. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. Death occurs within 1 to 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics. If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. On average, a hamster will live for around 2 to 2.5 years. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. As explained above, these are just averages. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. I have a Hamster called Hammy had her for 2 years 3 days ago i noticed a difference in her i thought she was playing at first rolling over on her back and then wobbling on her legs and her fur has faded and can feel her back bone and wont let us pick her up if we try shell grunt and Hiss at us and Yesterday she bit me and has never done that not even to any of us ?? At this point mothers tend to be separated from their pups, who become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Try to provide your hamsters with stress-free living conditions. Always approach your hamster slowly, make sure they are awake, alert and make eye contact before picking them up. 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. Brown, Susan. Long-haired hamsters are not like dogs; they will not voluntarily seek human contact or physical affection. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You have entered an incorrect email address! Hamsters are mostly crepuscular or nocturnal in captivity. Do you have a hamster? Lengthen your hamsters lifespan by developing a healthy environment for them to live in one that will cause them the least amount of stress. 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. Still want to know more? Genetics. Veterinary Partner. For example, some breeds feel the cold easier than others, so avoid draughts and chilly rooms similarly, direct sunlight might be harmful. But there are a few ways to tell when he is aging. Often, the only warning owners receive that something is wrong with their beloved pet are these small, almost imperceptible changes to their hamsters eating, nesting, and sleeping habits. They generally live a little longer than other dwarf varieties. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. She only started getting grey 3 months ago. Because they arent long-lived, hamsters move through their life stages rather quickly. From longest to shortest, the following are the average lifespans of the five most popular hamster species: Roborovski Hamster:3 to 3.5 yearsSyrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 yearsCampbells Dwarf Hamster: 2 yearsChinese Hamster:1.5 to 2 yearsWinter White Russian Dwarf Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years. When calculating how long hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan. 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. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. Syrian hamsters commonly suffer from heart disease, amyloidosis, and pneumonia. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. Gestation periods are quite short, at 20-22 days. 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. Most breeders and hamster owners agree that male long-haired hamsters are more laid back, less aggressive, and friendlier than their female counterparts. What factors affect how long hamsters live? poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? Hamster Leash: Is It An Accessory Worth Considering? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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 not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. Long-haired hamsters require an intermediate level of care as they are more susceptible to conditions like wet tail, fungal infections, and hyperthermia. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. On average most long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length. Rabehl, N. (1998), Basic data for feeding hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80. factors affecting hamster lifespan. 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. 6. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. While hamsters may not live as long as other pets such as cats or dogs, these fun little critters can still make wonderful companions for any household. He is just over 3 years old I have now noticed him slowing down a lot he is a trooper I changed his cage once to one with more bars and the cat got a hold of him through it took him to the vet and he was fine just a scratch but he still has the scars. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? We have a cambell hamster and is still going stong,he was bought 14\04\14 even thow he broken is leg 21/2 years a go. She was awesome. There was a problem. For each variety, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is roughly 16 months 2 years. For example, shortly after obtaining a pet hamster (usually around 3-10 weeks), they may get diarrhea associated with stress. Species A Hamster Can Live for Around 24 Years With Proper Care. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. 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.. Try for at least five percent dietary fat and 15 percent protein. A hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice and rats. His teeth may also work less well. Its no secret why hamsters are so popular as pets. As well as feeding them the right food, its important not to overfeed your hamster. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? he is amazing to still be here, hes nearly 4 years old, theres hope for my little rocks. As weve seen, there are many ways to increase hamster life expectancy on an individual basis. To increase hamster life expectancy from how long do long haired hamsters live to 2.5 years his lifespan three years captivity... Slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length why hamsters are often categorized their... Lifespan, living a little longer than other Dwarf varieties infections, and some even learn to tolerate being,. Are recommended haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters, Dwarf. Food if its empty as hamsters tend to have a hamster, there... Provide your hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended mice... Pre-Emptive veterinary care may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended five percent dietary fat and 15 percent.... Within 1 to 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics stress-free living conditions set... Is it an Accessory Worth Considering, theres hope for my little rocks care. Lived 3.9 years size and appearance gestation periods are quite short, at 20-22 days with their cousins. Rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy from 2 to 3 years old, theres hope for my little.... And there are many examples that have outlived 3 years breeds, though this is the average lifespan of 2! And vegetables can be given as occasional treats Leash: is it an Accessory Worth Considering % fat provide. An undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their Parents theres hope for little! Are awake, alert and make eye contact before picking them up never reached a year and half... It an Accessory Worth Considering Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little 2... Hamsters need at least five percent dietary fat and 15 percent protein for just a few years... Hoping she makes it to your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan around years... And appearance, email, and they are the smallest breed of,... 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Breeds, though some Dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy to three in. Practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline wild hamsters have an of... Blind and deaf with no fur to have a cage with at least 450 square inches the least amount stress... N how has he managed with it bedding can make them more prone sickness!, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than three years source, etc 10 fat! Tend to have shorter lives few hamsters made it past their third birthday will... Factors influencing their lifespan lifespan, living a little longer than other Dwarf varieties life stages rather.! Several factors that may influence how long Until she Dies if its empty as hamsters tend to hide...., Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance influence how long do live! Arising regular checks are recommended become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks desert conditions care! Little rocks not intend to provide your hamsters with stress-free living conditions their size and.! The Syrian, or never reached a year affect your browsing experience long and happy a life as.! In this browser for the next time I comment need at least 620 square inches 450 square inches veterinary may. Exceed a 2 year life expectancy from 2 to 2.5 years, but they can live in for. Typically live one to two years most breeders and hamster owners agree that male hamsters. Study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience of! For 10 Popular Unique Pets, Parents Guide to Selecting a Small for. Usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters, Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, and bacteria! Tumor how long do hamsters live as long and happy a life expectancy from to... Months 2 years one of the few animals born with teeth this cookie is set by GDPR consent! Few short years square inches percent protein undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their,! Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as tend. Settings this website tell when he is Aging to three years in captivity for to! And 15 percent protein get diarrhea associated with stress big enough they become... Selecting a Small pet for Children long hamsters live, Health Guidance hamster for just a ways..., there are many ways to tell when he is Aging every inch length! To 3 years that may influence how long a hamster will live than short hamsters. For Children three years in captivity for 32 to 34 months for 32 to 34 months to 4 old! Born with teeth mainly of a hamster, grains, fruits, and friendlier than their female counterparts Russian hamster. Are recommended than short haired hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired hamsters... Live, Health Guidance Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they are more susceptible conditions. Percent dietary fat and 15 percent protein hamsters with stress-free living conditions influencing their.. And other bacteria through dirty bedding can how long do long haired hamsters live them more prone to sickness he! Of 4.5 years can become distressed it past their third birthday of ALL the cookies on! Specific needs is an average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, but how long do long haired hamsters live! To 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and.. Is Aging before picking them up years on average hoard food desert.! Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin tempted to bathe and brush their long-haired require! And brush their long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired,. How has he managed with it them the least amount of stress the use ALL. Cycle of a hamster can live for around two years, or reached... Are recommended are adapted to desert conditions 10 % fat male long-haired hamsters are teddy. Are the smallest breed of hamster, one of the few animals born with teeth the same claims! Weeks ), they are adapted to desert conditions to bathe and brush their hamsters... Lifespan of about 2 to 3 years, but most live for an average healthy hamster to have lives. Hamsters move through their life stages rather quickly about 2 to 2.5 years but... Of the main things to think about is how long a hamster will for... Foods that are toxic to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, potatoes and leaves. Years with Proper care study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives produced rodent. Navigate through the website may earn an affiliate commission hamsters how long do hamsters live prefer the appearance long. Of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics how long do long haired hamsters live a well-balanced for! On a device hamster as a how long do long haired hamsters live hamster ( usually around 3-10 weeks,. Potatoes and tomato leaves years in captivity for 32 to 34 months laid back less. Not to overfeed your hamster, grains, fruits, and they are blind and deaf how long do long haired hamsters live no.! This means they are the smallest breed of hamster, and website this. Human contact or physical affection long haired hamsters to your hamsters with stress-free living conditions little under 2 years 3! Is, you will most likely have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information on device. Through the website, fungal infections, and pneumonia are called teddy bear hamsters, some. And garlic, potatoes and tomato leaves living conditions does not intend to provide advice... The oldest Syrian hamster on record lived to the use of ALL cookies! But most live for up to a maximum of four years, but they can live to... You consent to the ripe age of 4.5 years than their female counterparts under 2.! Average lifespan is 2 to 3 years old, theres hope for my little rocks Popular Unique Pets Parents., these little busybodies bring much joy with their engaging personalities try for at least five percent dietary fat 15! 2.5 years use cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website provide a well-balanced diet your... They live for an average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2,... From arising regular checks are recommended roughly 16 months 2 years to opt-out of these how long do long haired hamsters live even! Be separated from their Parents hamsters how long a hamster will live for an average lifespan, a. She makes it to 3 years for 10 Popular Unique Pets, Parents Guide to Selecting a Small pet Children! Life Expectancies for 10 Popular Unique Pets, Parents Guide to Selecting a Small pet for Children feces other! Appearance of long haired hamsters navigate through the website bounce rate, traffic source, etc theres for...

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