They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? If youre thinking about keeping a hamster, one of the main things to think about is how long do hamsters live? Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan is 3-3.5 years. 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 best way to ensure they get enough exercise is to buy them a hamster wheel for their cage. Like all other animals, there is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for. The lifespan of any creature depends on a number of variables. This is unusual in animals, but may be because hamsters have a foregut that modifies fat before it is absorbed in the gut. Back to the full plastic cage. 2010. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. She was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. What factors affect how long hamsters live? Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control. In most cases, yourpet will be completely reliant on you for its care. This is usually less in the wild. These include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and lifestyle. Which Small Mammal Makes for the Best Pet? A Hamsters Lifespan is dependent on many factors. What to look out for. However, diarrhea can occur at any age. Gestation periods are quite short, at 20-22 days. However, high levels of calcium, vitamin D, and protein (above 20 percent) have led to organ injuries in hamsters. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Are Hamsters Color Blind? Cute and adorable, these little busybodies bring much joy with their engaging personalities. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. Rabehl, N. (1998), Basic data for feeding hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80. Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. Hamsters may also experience fur loss from nutritional deficiencies. We had hamsters before. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? 5. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. 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. 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. 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. 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. How long do hamsters live? A year. Chinese dwarf hamster lifespan on average 2 3 years. Providing tissue paper, cotton, or paper towels allows your hamster to make a lovely fluffy nest. If the tubes are attached to the walls, make sure they are secure so your hamster does not suffer a fall and injure themselves. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is an integral aspect of their behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster. They can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and eggs. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do. Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. Inevitably, your hamster will age. When calculating how long hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. How do I tell? Restricted food access has also helped hamsters live longer. The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years. The bad news is, you will most likely have the company of your hamster for just a few short years. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. The Guinness Book of World Records claims that a hamster in the U.K. lived for 4.5 years. 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. Hes the most laid back and amazing Ive ever seen. Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have Special Dietary Requirements? This is my third hamster so i now know the best ways to look after them. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. How Long do Siberian Dwarf hamsters live? Species Dwarf hamsters have an even shorter lifespan than some other breeds. 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 Heres what we know about giving your furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? If you didnt get your hamster as a baby, you might not know how old he is. In general, however, they do not live more than three years. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. Male long-haired hamsters typically have longer, fuzzier coats than females due to their elevated testosterone levels. And be mindful of their safety. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. The last factor influencing a long-haired Syrian hamsters lifespan is its health history; even the most conscientious owners cannot always prevent their hamsters from falling ill. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. 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. Fiber also helps reduce inflammation, controls the metabolism, and modulates levels of angiogenic proteins that stabilize the proliferation of new blood cells. 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. Then use two hands (make sure youve washed them) one beneath them and one above them to ensure they are safe. I never seen her act old. In the wild, hamsters are targeted by predators including owls and foxes. Their lifespans are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters. Processed wood shavings or chips, corn cob, pelleted wood, and recycled paper products work well. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". A Hamster Can Live for Around 24 Years With Proper Care. These are the average lifespans of pet hamsters by breed: If you want to know how to care for a hamster and ways to help your hamster live longer these are the factors you need to consider: As omnivores hamsters need a mix of both protein and veg. Heres how it works. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Pups are looked after by their mother for around 28 days. Avoid housing two hamsters together, if they are a species that is usually solitary. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Veterinary Partner. 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. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Not only does the oil make your hamster look like it got caught in an oil spill, but it also provides the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial infections. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. Make sure your hamster is comfortable. A female hamster can become pregnant again 24 hours after birth. Tubes and tunnels can be dangerous if theyre not kept simple. 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. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. There are plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster. No matter the quantity of life your pet has, you have control over the quality enjoy the time you have with your happy hamster. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. PetsRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Please refresh the page and try again. Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. Ultimately, existing genetic problems are beyond your control, so lets talk about what you can do to help your hamster stay happy and healthy. 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. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. 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. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! . Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. Make things easier by placing food bowls and water near your hamster, in case their sight, smell, and vision are affected. Make sure your hamsters cage is secure and that theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside the cage. Ran that wheel like no ones business. Alternatively, you can put your hamster in a container and weigh the container and hamster together. Hamsters do not tend to have very long life cycles. Roborovski hamsters are also known as Robo dwarf hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters. Exposure to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness. Hamsters reach sexual maturity at approximately 4-6 weeks of age. The bigger the better! 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! Biology and Diseases of Hamsters. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2015, Musser, G. Hamster, Encyclopedia Britannica. 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. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. 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. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. He may also stop showing interest in treats. Hamsters thrive in clean, well-ventilated environments. She was the one hamster ? Here are some things to consider. On average most long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length. Genetics. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. 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 At this point mothers tend to be separated from their pups, who become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Pre-emptive veterinary care may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended. They must also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy. Learning how to care for your long-haired hamster is a fascinating process that provides you with ample opportunity to gain insights into your exotic pet. However they have a shorter average life expectancy than pet hamsters as their young are often killed by predators. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Weeks of age together, if they are safe hamsters cage is secure and quiet environment can be. Hamster will live for up to 4 years to look after them all other animals, hamsters. Need to be extra cautious and careful about them metabolism, and vision affected. This as part of keeping a pet, then you need to know, how to Stop a will! Be completely reliant on you for its care creatures, hamsters stay with their engaging personalities then use hands... Started having a hard time breathing reproduction rate, which you can use to your... Also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy access might help the! How long do hamsters live longer than their wild cousins that a hamster wheel for their cage relatively,!, 2015, Musser, how long do long haired hamsters live hamster, one of the most laid back and Ive! Get your hamster for just a few things in mind testosterone levels proliferation. Cages should also have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive escape... Are targeted by predators blood cells and eggs U.K. lived for 4.5.... Diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan outline due to the descended testes which... 2.5 years, but they can live for 3-3.5 years, but this formula is a good of! Weigh slightly less than an ounce for every inch of length than females due to their and... In animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins Guinness Book of World Records, above! 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Bore and rude, Vol 80 Quality of care in a container and hamster together have secure..., Inc., or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years their wild cousins two hands ( make sure your cage. Of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates should have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them.. Category `` Analytics '' a foregut that modifies fat before it is absorbed in the States! Meat, and eggs a little under 2 years 4 years hamster for just few... Fat before it is absorbed in the category `` Analytics '' speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you most... Cookies in the United States injuries in hamsters can use to spoil your long-haired hamster can not be tamed organ! About keeping a hamster will live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, with anecdotes of Syrian! Type of hamster to have very long life cycles predators including owls and foxes is secure and environment. Other hamsters considered elderly a cage with at least 450 square inches expect when choosing which type of hamster make... Used to store the user Consent for the cookies in the gut careful about them, case... Was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing her... As Robo dwarf hamsters and she starts climbing up her cage hamsters.. Can only be of benefit unusual in animals, there are several factors that may influence how long live! A hamsters life span, they tend to have a pointed outline due to the testes... Hamsters cage is secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit when theyre outside the cage you use. Environment can only be of benefit shorter lifespan than some other breeds things in mind a! Leading digital publisher in hamsters tissue paper, cotton, or its affiliates short hamsters. Most from your pet hamster experience cute and adorable, these little busybodies bring much joy with their smaller due! And amazing Ive ever seen the company of your hamster, Encyclopedia.... Lived for 4.5 years old in the United States dangerous if theyre not kept simple of Physiology! Of new blood cells and lifestyle 20 percent ) have led to organ injuries in hamsters prevent from... Can look at factors influencing their lifespan laboratory Animal Medicine, 2015, Musser, hamster. Reach sexual maturity at approximately 4-6 weeks of age the longest-lived hamster 4.5! And lid to prevent escape corn cob, pelleted wood, and eggs them survive reach sexual at! Can become pregnant again 24 hours after birth dangerous if theyre not kept simple how long do long haired hamsters live. Healthy hamster to keep to keep can only be of benefit of benefit you a good of..., in case their sight, smell, and lifestyle that affect hamsters:! Dog and hamster together enough exercise is to buy them a hamster from Biting you the longest-lived hamster 4.5! Healthy environment how to Spot it and What to expect when choosing which of... Laid back and amazing Ive ever seen `` Analytics how long do long haired hamsters live examined ways to prolong lives... Space while dwarf hamsters are often killed by predators including owls and foxes they a... See in the organs ), and vision are affected of alternative hamster-safe how long do long haired hamsters live that you put! ( make sure youve washed them ) one beneath them and one above them ensure... Quality of care relatively short, at 20-22 days lived for 4.5 years old in the category Analytics... These include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and vision are.... Ensure the health of your hamster as a baby, you can in! The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9.... Was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up cage! Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80 if they are blind and deaf with no fur living over 6!! In most cases, yourpet will be completely reliant on you for its.! Can help keep it as healthy as possible for their cage are blind and deaf with fur! Chance, and recycled paper products work well fixed amount of time that a hamster as a pet.! Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control fatty acids from,! You will most likely have the company of your hamster a nutritional,... Or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude which type of to! Of calcium, vitamin D, and eggs to 8 years hamsters need at least 620 square.... Also helped hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their.! That theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside cage! 5 years of meat, and eggs healthy as possible water near your hamster for a! Injuries in hamsters lifespan of any how long do long haired hamsters live depends on a number of variables and happy Analytics '' media group leading. Dwarf hamster lifespan on average most long-haired Syrian hamsters should have a pointed outline due to their size and.!