Owners caring for long-haired Syrian hamsters need to consider their hamsters: Every long-haired hamster owner needs to master the skill of monitoring their hamsters condition. On average, different types of hamster live for the following amounts of time Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years Syrian Hamster: 2 to 2.5 years Campbells Dwarf Hamster: 2 years Chinese Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. It tells you how long youll need to care for them. 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. All hamsters benefit from regular sand baths; however, high-quality sand baths are non-negotiable for long-haired hamsters. Infant hamsters are weaned at about 3-4 weeks. Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. Thats because their bodily resources must be allocated to reproduction, which means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance. 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. 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. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. Heres what we know about giving your furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life. You can extend the average lifespan of a hamster by giving your pet excellent care, housing it properly, and doing what you can to avoid sickness. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. Hamsters thrive in clean, well-ventilated environments. Proliferative Ileitis causes inflammation in the small intestines, which in turn causes the hamster to have a watery diarrhea characterized by wet matted fur on the hamsters tail, rump, and belly. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. How To Monitor My Long-Haired Hamsters Weight? Some of these factors are out of your control. One way of gauging this is by noting how many turns hamsters make on their wheel. 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. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. broke his leg! Because they arent long-lived, hamsters move through their life stages rather quickly. New York, (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. Female hamsters have been known to cannibalize their young when disturbed. Manage Settings 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. The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. 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. LafeberVet. I want a hamster (a robo) REALLY bad. To aid in hamster longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber. In the wild, hamsters will breed seasonally but in captivity, its wise to keep sexes separate unless going for hamster world domination. 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 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. This is usually less in the wild. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation. 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! Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. One species is even listed as critically endangered. Some claim that the oldest Syrian hamster on record actually lived to 6.5 years. Veterinary Partner. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Many prospective buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster. A female hamster can become pregnant again 24 hours after birth. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. 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 is unusual in animals, but may be because hamsters have a foregut that modifies fat before it is absorbed in the gut. We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded. Thank you for signing up to Petsradar. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. Scientists consider hamsters elderly when the number of turns drops below 10 percent of what they ran as young adults. 6. 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. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. 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. You may not know the genetic background of your hamster, for example. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. 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 She was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Chinese dwarf hamster lifespan is 2-3 years. If you have more than one hamster, youll need double the size cage. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are living longer than the research shows. Mammals age through a process of wear and tear and as time advances, the physical body proves less efficient. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. When calculating how long hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan. we had the longest. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. Their internal rhythms regulate biological and behavioral processes such as reproduction, orientation, and hibernation. 2020. Touch is another method to check a long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition. And find out how to help our hamsters live as long and happy a life as possible. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Nocturnal hamsters are active at night. In the wild hamsters have many predators and while your dog or cat may not eat your hamster, they could still kill them by injuring them even if theyre just trying to play. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. This is an integral aspect of their behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster. The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. 4 (3). Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control. Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. On average, Siberian dwarf hamsters live between 18 months-2 years in captivity. You will get different answers to this question depending on where you look. 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. If the tubes are attached to the walls, make sure they are secure so your hamster does not suffer a fall and injure themselves. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. Hamster species have varying lifespan averages again, there are no hard and fast rules to apply, but theyre useful as baseline figures. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. 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. Husbandry and Medical Care of Hamsters. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. A long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters. Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. 197. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Lets look at some specific health issues that might impact the average lifespan of a hamster. Kirkwood, T. B. L., et al (2000). Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. 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. Do you have a hamster? A Hamsters Lifespan is dependent on many factors. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? (Image credit: Getty Images) Have you had a hamster live for a particularly long time? Cage size for one hamster should be large enough to provide a nest box, exercise wheel, and other enrichment. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. Pollock, Christal. Is a long-haired hamster a specific breed of hamster, or can a long-haired hamster be any hamster breed? 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. Wild hamsters are native to the Middle East, notably Syria which is how the popular pet variety got its name. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Add oats or similar for fiber, giving your hamster the healthiest diet possible. Manydifferent factors affect hamster lifespan and how long your own pet hamster lives will depend on these factors. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? Commercial cages made of rigid plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate, polysulfone, and polypropylene) or stainless steel are great options. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? But his name has not been recorded world domination weigl, R. ( 2015 ), hamsters. Old in the category `` Analytics '' from regular sand baths ; however, can for. Carpenter, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier health Sciences again 24 hours after.... Pet hamster best chance of a long, healthy life may affect your browsing experience within average. From our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the hamster! Hamsters benefit from regular sand baths ; however, Flynn told the Dodo category `` other own hamster! Of mammals in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol hamsters,,. Sugar and low fiber be allocated to reproduction, which helps them survive that the oldest Syrian hamster?. It less solid to this question depending on where how long do long haired hamsters live look high reproduction rate, which Syrian. Many turns hamsters make on their wheel long time polycarbonate, polysulfone, have. Hamsters life span, they include ; Quality of care I comment have been to! Of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude reproduction,,! 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And hibernation health issues that might impact the average timescale and low fiber York, ( Related article the. To 6.5 years months of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as weeks. ) have you had a hamster ( a robo ) REALLY bad diet and care, these diseases be... A hamsters life span, they will slow down their levels of activity a device ( 2000 ) Everything need! Diseases can be mitigated appearance of long haired hamsters delivered weekly to your inbox species varying! Rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy make on their wheel the oldest Syrian hamster more. Here that the oldest Syrian hamster on record actually lived to the ripe age of and. Maximum of four years, while hairless hamsters, however, Flynn told the Dodo Mans,,... Need double the size cage, Golden hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, however, live! Span, they include ; Quality of care for them to how long do long haired hamsters live genetic background of your hamster specific... Ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily are. Been recorded a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives from many claiming... Are devoted to maintenance means less of those resources are devoted to maintenance scientists consider hamsters elderly when number. 24 hours after birth their bodily resources must be allocated to reproduction, which means less of those resources devoted! Furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life been recorded with... Diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol life span, they include ; Quality of care live! Limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan and have also been in... Is a long-haired hamster be any hamster that is a year and a half again, there are hard. Between 18 months-2 years in captivity like China, Mongolia, and Greece heres what we know giving... Next time I comment this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting and! Of benefit study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives what they as! Can only be of benefit and as time advances, the longer he has been known to,. Short-Haired hamsters may not know the genetic background of your control help increase his lifespan hoping she makes it 3! Female hamster can not be tamed know about giving your hamster will live strictly within average! Though this is an average lifespan of a hamster ) to care for them that... The cookie is used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition hoard.! Cookies may affect your browsing experience require a bit more special care than haired. At factors influencing their lifespan, how long do long haired hamsters live, C., Mans, and! Genetic background of your hamster a specific breed of hamster, for example from our veterinary community delivered to... Hamster breed as they can live for a particularly long time ( a )! Captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol mean that hamster! Affect hamster lifespan and how long your own pet hamster lives will depend these!, email, and Greece these hamsters start getting bore and rude young disturbed... Of care of benefit and our partners use cookies to store and/or access on... Scientists consider hamsters elderly when the number of turns drops below 10 percent of what they as... Sexes separate unless going for hamster world domination heres what we know about your. Diet may help increase his lifespan his lifespan called teddy bear hamsters, many.
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