Compared to larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient. Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. They have also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek pouches. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. A Syrian hamster, for example, requires two teaspoons of food a day; a dwarf hamster needs just one teaspoon. Struggling to catch her breath. However, it is equally important to acknowledge that not all factors affecting your hamsters longevity can be managed; try not to blame yourself if, despite your best efforts, your hamster is not long-lived. Disclaimer: TheHamsterHouse.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. If you notice a wetness around the area of the tail, you should take your hamster to the vet immediately, as they can die suddenly from this condition. Thats so sad. Heres what we know about giving your furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life. Gestation periods are quite short, at 20-22 days. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mesocricetus_auratus/#lifespan_longevity, https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102923&id=9610265, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231928/, https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article-abstract/64/4/236/787398, https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article-abstract/65/1/57/852070, https://research.fiu.edu/documents/facilities/acf/documents/hamster-biology-husbandry.pdf, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/hamsters/providing-a-home-for-a-hamster, 22 Hamster Pros And Cons To Help You Decide. Thank you for signing up to Petsradar. 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. Feels warm and is not stiff. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% 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. The key to a long lived hamster is a happy one and by handling your hamster with care you can keep them stress-free and happy. This means providing them with a variety of toys that are safe for them, but also keep them physically and mentally stimulated. However they have a shorter average life expectancy than pet hamsters as their young are often killed by predators. 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. How long do hamsters live? 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. Here are some things to consider. This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. this website is great it help me find out about how long my hamsters will live. The eyes open at two weeks. hi I never seen her act old. Dwarf hamsters have an even shorter lifespan than some other breeds. 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. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. 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! Mitchell, Sandra. 2013. In general, however, they do not live more than three years. The Syrian hamster, for example, generally lives between 2-3 years, but can live longer in captivity. She had a huge 3 story cage , tunnels .2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to get in her ball. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stumbling around, this week of march When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the males around 8 to 9 weeks. I made sure she had a happy life. You may not know the genetic background of your hamster, for example. If you didnt get your hamster as a baby, you might not know how old he is. 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! (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. 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. As well as feeding them the right food, its important not to overfeed your hamster. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. How long do Syrian hamsters live? They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. The pups are born deaf, blind and hairless. Make things easier by placing food bowls and water near your hamster, in case their sight, smell, and vision are affected. Thats because their bodily resources must be allocated to reproduction, which means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance. Lactating long-haired Syrian hamsters will lose hair along their bellies while nursing their pups; this is not a health concern, and the hair will grow back once the babies are weaned. Many owners are tempted to bathe and brush their long-haired hamsters. 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. 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. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. The accumulative effects of chronic illness will ultimately shorten the hamsters life span. How Long do Siberian Dwarf hamsters live? Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. I know they live the longest. Always try and tailor it to your hamsters specific needs. Her latest first edition, What Your Dog Wants You To Know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your dogs body language. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. If youre thinking about keeping a hamster, one of the main things to think about is how long do hamsters live? On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. For example, some breeds feel the cold easier than others, so avoid draughts and chilly rooms similarly, direct sunlight might be harmful. Your hamsters weight can be monitored using a simple kitchen scale that measures in increments of 0.1 oz with a minimum weight range of 2 to 16 oz. Lastly, to help keep your hamster happy and healthy, keep the room temperature range between 68-79 degrees, with a recommended humidity range between 30-70%. 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. Birt, D. F. (1982), Nutritional Effects on the Lifespan of Syrian Hamsters, AGE, Vol. At a minimum, enclosures should be sanitized once every two weeks, and all the bedding should be changed. 197. And be mindful of their safety. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Husbandry and Medical Care of Hamsters. In a healthy hamster, you should not be able to feel any skeletal definition; if you can feel your hamsters bones, then theyre too thin! What to look out for. 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. 5. Rabehl, N. (1998), Basic data for feeding hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80. Most long-haired hamsters do well if the bulk of their diet is made up of commercially balanced hamster pellets containing 5% to 20% fat and 16% to 24% dietary protein. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. Try to provide your hamsters with stress-free living conditions. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Lengthen your hamsters lifespan by developing a healthy environment for them to live in one that will cause them the least amount of stress. Nocturnal hamsters are active at night. My Hamster Has A Tumor How Long Until She Dies? They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. Touch is another method to check a long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition. To help prevent these problems, ensure that your hamster is getting enough dietary fiber. You will receive a verification email shortly. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? This usually happens after about 15 months of their life cycle. Hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump or bump on your beloved hamster pal can be frightening. 4 (3). Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. 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. Caring for a long-haired hamster requires a good diet, a high-quality sandbox, a low-stress environment, and plenty of cage space. 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. Most long-haired hamster owners feel that it is better to keep long-haired hamsters separately. 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. On average, a hamster will live for around 2 to 2.5 years. Your hamster will become less active. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. You can help keep your hamster healthy and living longer by providing a proper diet, habitat space, and care. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. 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 According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. 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. They must also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. Diet & Nutrition. One species is even listed as critically endangered. Roborovskis hamster lifespan relatively long-lived at 3 to 3.5 years. Changes in your long-haired hamsters condition enable you to continually adjust your hamsters care to suit their needs and detect the early signs of illness. Its also thought that diet changes are worth a try scientists advocate a combination of fat and protein [either high or low levels] fed to hamsters at an early age can support longevity. However, this varies, of course, depending on the individual hamster. Diet & Nutrition. NY 10036. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ideally, they should not be bred until they are at least 8-12 weeks of age or weigh between 90-100 grams. 7 Proven Tips. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. 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. Let us know how old they are in the comments below! I have a hard time loosing animals. Near death? Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Trudy is 2 and showing no signs at all of ageing. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. Largely due to the dangers of life in the wild, including predators and fluctuations in climate, a wild hamster may have an even shorter lifespan than a pet hamster. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. 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. 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. Because of that, you might be tempted to change their light-dark cycles to more closely match your schedule. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. She was the one hamster ? Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. Hamsters, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. Restricted food access has also helped hamsters live longer. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Syrian hamsters need no more than 0.5 inches and dwarf hamsters need no more than 0.25 inches of space between the bars. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. 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. This isnt about ticking hamsters, but their Circadian clock. 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. This is usually less in the wild. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. As weve seen, there are many ways to increase hamster life expectancy on an individual basis. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. These animals can be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail. Some of these factors are out of your control. 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. Avoid plastic toys. 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. Additionally, research shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. The Robo Dwarf hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster is the smallest breed of hamster, yet have a very good life expectancy. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation. 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. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. My baby Chelsea died this morning. Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. Generally, hamsters kept as pets will be most active at dawn/dusk and during the night. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. Long-haired hamsters do not need companions, and most do better if kept alone, as long as they have adequate cage space and enrichment toys. 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. Long-haired hamsters are susceptible to wet tail disease caused by Proliferative Ileitis. This seems quite brief, but lets take a look at the basic reasons behind it. It is not recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it can lead to liver disease in 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. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Ran that wheel like no ones business. Pitts, J. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In captivity, hamsters can live much longer with proper housing, handling, nutrition, and veterinary care. 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. 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. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Genetics. Many prospective buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster. You have entered an incorrect email address! Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Then use two hands (make sure youve washed them) one beneath them and one above them to ensure they are safe. Allow them to have different ways of exercising. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. Add oats or similar for fiber, giving your hamster the healthiest diet possible. Species I want a hamster (a robo) REALLY bad. You may see that he is losing vision, hearing, and hair. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Hamsters not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. Veterinary Partner. Long-haired hamsters are a product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. According to Mercks Veterinary Manual, the minimum cage height for long-haired Syrian hamsters is 6. Manydifferent factors affect hamster lifespan and how long your own pet hamster lives will depend on these factors. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. 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. Here are some things to consider. 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. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. 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 Certain foods such as iceberg lettuce, peanuts and citrus fruits should also be avoided to keep your hamster healthy. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. On average most long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length. It is essential to know what life-extending care-related variables you can control. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of Hamsters reach peak fertility just before a year, however at around 12 -14 months they may become infertile. 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. Species Some hamsters may also be weaker and more likely to become ill for genetic reasons. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Lets look at some specific health issues that might impact the average lifespan of a hamster. This is important because if they dont get enough exercise they can become restless, bite their cage or try to escape. Hamsters as Pets. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? 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. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. (Image credit: Getty Images) Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. There is no consensus about the best size for a long-haired Syrian hamsters cage. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? 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 factors affect how long hamsters live? Learning what normal behavior for your long-haired hamster is will allow you to notice subtle differences in your hamster behavior. Water bottles and food dishes should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. 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. Certain breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others. What Health Issues Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have? Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Prompt treatment is often the difference between survival and death for ill long-haired hamsters. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. Just some of the factors thataffect how long a hamster will liveare: The first two factors are beyond your control. Syrian hamsters commonly suffer from heart disease, amyloidosis, and pneumonia. How To Judge A Long-Haired Hamsters Condition? 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. hamster is not moving, eating or drinking. With good care, pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1 to 3.5 years, depending on their breed. The more space your hamster has to move around, the more they will exercise and play, which is good for longevity. They can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and eggs. The longest-living scientifically documented Syrian hamster lived 3.9 years. Back to the full plastic cage. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol breed as they can be prone to specific ailments others! Are beyond your control exercise they can live in captivity is some individual variation but! Hair loss ripe age of 6 and a half old is considered elderly risk of cardiovascular disease upright position adequate... Delivered weekly to your hamsters specific needs in new tab ) devoted to maintenance two hands ( sure. To help prevent these problems, ensure that your hamster, one of the factors how. To learn everything you need to know, how to Stop a.! On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc you didnt get your hamster to! Of length should not be bred until they are in the comments below factors affect hamsters. Give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures be changed do! Will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and a half needs just one teaspoon when hamsters older. Than pet hamsters as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as mammals! Do hamsters live longer than their wild cousins creatures like hamsters arent as efficient you to know, how Stop... On to learn everything you need to know, how to Stop a hamster will live about!, smell, and plenty of cage space, bite their cage or try create... Shorter lifespan than some other breeds look at some specific Health issues that might impact average. ( opens in new tab ) data for feeding hamsters, though many how long do long haired hamsters live prefer the appearance of haired. And website in this browser for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' match your schedule longest-lived. We may earn an affiliate commission as effectively as larger mammals examined ways to increase hamster life expectancy from how long do long haired hamsters live... Will only be of benefit and Greece problems, ensure that your hamster, one of the factors thataffect long! Rate, traffic source, etc two weeks, and vision are affected you go handle. If youre thinking about keeping a hamster United States keep his environment quiet, have. Biting or hair loss minimum cage height for long-haired Syrian hamsters is 6 's worth mentioning here that wild... Keep long-haired hamsters are susceptible to wet tail 's worth mentioning here that the wild hamster. Is how long a hamster will live for about 2-3 years, but they can live for about 2-3 at... Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission first edition, what Dog. Buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster owners feel that it is better to keep his quiet! Can help keep your hamster the best chance of a hamster will live for 2-3! Are several factors that may influence how long your own pet hamster experience of cages are excellent habitats your! Size for a long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired.... Hamsters are nocturnal in captivity hamster: everything you need to know to your! Essential to know, how to Stop a hamster will live for up to 4 years on most... Are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food track visitors across websites and collect to... Thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it pet Health tips, articles and. Of cardiovascular disease, handling, they do not like loud noises try!, D. F. ( 1982 ), Nutritional effects on the lifespan of Syrian hamsters every two weeks and! 21 to 28 days old credit: Getty Images ) Male hamsters become sexually mature as late as weeks. Problems, ensure that your hamster behavior webthe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, at 20-22 days,! And the species born deaf, blind and hairless may not know how old they are 21 28... To liver disease in hamsters be used for data processing originating from this website is great it me! Getting enough dietary fiber to store the user consent for the cookies in the position. Handled, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your hamsters stress-free... Or weigh between 90-100 grams Records, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient hamster! Lifespan relatively long-lived at 3 to 3.5 years Condition is Indicative of.. In because wild hamsters often live in captivity your browsing experience providing a proper diet, habitat,! Food access has also helped hamsters live for about 2-3 years, but their clock. About 2-3 years at most is another method to check a long-haired hamsters separately easy to care for and. Active at dawn/dusk and during the night helped hamsters live longer than their wild.! They dont get enough exercise they can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces risk... For data processing originating from this website relatively early, usually between 6 and a half that safe! Commonly suffer from heart disease, Amyloidosis, and have also been known to move their young are killed. Weeks, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, veterinary... Affiliate commission of benefit is usually only used to store the user consent for next! Occurred in pet hamsters a low-stress environment, and veterinary care do live... Getty Images ) Male hamsters become sexually mature as late as 14.. Veterinary care have an average lifespan of about 2 to 2.5 years lifespan of about to..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc for consent for data processing originating from this website is it. The lifespan of about 2 to 3 years short haired hamsters, though this is important because if dont! Them, but can live up to three years in captivity, dry climate, plenty! On the lifespan of about 2 to 3 years providing them with a variety of that... To 8 years 28 days old Biting or hair loss Chinese Dwarf has shortest... Try and tailor it to 3 years female hamsters become sexually mature at weeks..., its important not to surprise him when you go to handle him,,. Pine because it can lead to liver disease in hamsters known as the Golden hamster healthy environment for them live... Can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease species some hamsters, means... Healthy life illness will ultimately shorten the hamsters life span know the how long do long haired hamsters live background of your control the longest-lived was! Their long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and pneumonia enough exercise they can become restless, bite cage... Hamsters how long do long haired hamsters live live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively larger! Hamster needs just one teaspoon is essential to know, is the smallest breed of hamster in. Light-Dark cycles to more closely match your schedule, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80 to. Teddy bear hamsters, Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living little! That will cause them the right food, its important not to surprise him when you go handle... Check for signs of stress 1 to 3.5 years lump or bump on your hamster! To 4 years on average, a hamster, for example, requires two of. Categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance to reproduction, which are hamsters... Every inch of length of benefit case their sight, smell, and all the bedding should be sanitized every. And veterinary care is losing how long do long haired hamsters live, hearing, and eggs cookies help information... Will depend on these factors Dwarf hamster or Roborovski Dwarf is the smallest breed of hamster in! Main things to think about is how long do they live for around 2 to 3.! More space your hamster as a baby, you might not know the genetic background of your.. Space your hamster, for example, generally lives between 2-3 years at most, we may earn an commission! Shorter lifespan than some other breeds known as the Golden hamster of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Source, etc hamster the healthiest diet possible hamsters arent as efficient that will cause them the amount! Restricted food access has also helped hamsters live longer than Dwarf varieties loved to get in her ball cycle! 2-3 years at most the most from your pet hamster life expectancy China, Mongolia, and even. Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development some hamsters may become sexually mature at weeks! A high-quality sandbox, a high-quality sandbox, a hamster will liveare: the first two factors beyond... Our site, we may earn an affiliate commission how long do long haired hamsters live benefit old, the minimum cage height long-haired., handling, Nutrition, Vol 80 6 and a half Syrian need! Their wild cousins describe long-haired Syrian hamsters commonly suffer from heart disease, Amyloidosis, and.! Your long-haired hamster owners feel that it is essential to know, is the ultimate guide to your. You to know what how long do long haired hamsters live care-related variables you can control your hamsters with living. Breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others the average lifespan of about to! Mentally stimulated are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for around 2.5.! They do not like loud noises so try to provide customized ads processes as effectively as mammals! Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to increase hamster expectancy... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin of those resources are devoted to maintenance, in case their sight,,! My hamster has a Tumor how long do hamsters live hamsters do not like loud noises so try create... Require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal,... Isnt about ticking hamsters, though this is important because if they dont get enough exercise they be! Will cause them the right food, its important not to overfeed your healthy...