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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Still want to know more? Experienced owners of long-haired hamsters know that access to a good sand bath is paramount to maintaining a long-haired hamsters coat in good condition. You can choose which species of hamster you keep, but once you have your hamster,you obviously cant then change theirspecies to make them live longer! Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. To aid in hamster longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber. Genetics. However, data scientifically gathered from zoo collections puts the maximum lifespan of a striped dwarf hamster at 5.3 years. Water bottles and food dishes should be cleaned and disinfected daily. However, long-haired hamsters are descendants of Syrian hamsters, and we know that Syrian hamsters in the wild have an average lifespan of 1.5 to 2 yrs. 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. Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. 2000. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. A long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters. Have you had a hamster live for a particularly long time? Wild hamsters tend to live longer than pet hamsters if they manage to escape their predators. 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. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Its no secret why hamsters are so popular as pets. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Females have a more rounded rear end. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. 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. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. Campbells Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters have similar lifespans. This is usually less in the wild. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. Restricted food access has also helped hamsters live longer. Long-haired hamsters are the descendants of the notoriously solitary Syrian hamsters and share their aversion to hamster companions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Surprisingly wild hamsters can live for longer. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. 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. The temperature and humidity of their cage is also key. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. LafeberVet. If the tubes are attached to the walls, make sure they are secure so your hamster does not suffer a fall and injure themselves. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. For example, some breeds feel the cold easier than others, so avoid draughts and chilly rooms similarly, direct sunlight might be harmful. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters. 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. Lets take a look at what happens when hamsters get old, why they are so short lived, and which breeds live the longest. The quality of care, including the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life. 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. Scientists have found that hamsters fed either low levels of both fat and protein or high levels of both fat and protein early in life lived longest. 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. My 1.5y.o. 4th ed. Proliferative Ileitis is most common in stressed, juvenile, and weanling long-haired hamsters and is caused by an overgrowth of Lawsons bacteria in the hamsters small intestines. 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. Here are some things to consider. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do Hamsters Hibernate? What do Syrian Hamsters look like? 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. In most cases, yourpet will be completely reliant on you for its care. One species is even listed as critically endangered. She only started getting grey 3 months ago. But still seems strong and full of life. Didnt see it coming. But dont! I want a hamster (a robo) REALLY bad. Please refresh the page and try again. As explained above, these are just averages. Hamster Leash: Is It An Accessory Worth Considering? Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have Special Dietary Requirements? How long do hamster live depending on their species? So balance is needed. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The eyes open at two weeks. Like all other animals, there is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. Most long-haired hamster owners feel that it is better to keep long-haired hamsters separately. After the first six weeks of life, an increase in fat helped hamsters live longer. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. Hamsters also need plenty of space to move around. Are Hamsters Color Blind? Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. Disclaimer: TheHamsterHouse.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. You can help your hamster live longer by: Doing this wont change the fact that some hamster species generally live shorter lives, or make up for poor genes, but it will give your hamster the best chance of living to its full potential. Hamsters are mostly crepuscular or nocturnal in captivity. Long hair only appears in Syrian hamsters; thus, it is impossible to have a long-haired dwarf or Siberian (also known as a winter white) hamster. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). A Syrian hamster, for example, requires two teaspoons of food a day; a dwarf hamster needs just one teaspoon. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. Back to the full plastic cage. These animals can be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. Zara is Editor on bookazines and covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Watch out for reduced activity, and less interest in food and/or treats. There is no consensus about the best size for a long-haired Syrian hamsters cage. This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. Some of these factors are out of your control. 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. The European hamster can live up to eight years in the wild. All sorts of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always exciting. There is no mention of what kind of hamster it is. This includes the right type of bedding made from paper, wood, vegetables or grain as these are absorbent. Wed love to hear about it! Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the males around 8 to 9 weeks. However, diarrhea can occur at any age. 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. The accumulative effects of chronic illness will ultimately shorten the hamsters life span. (2017), Dwarf hamsters how long do they live, Health Guidance. Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. Caring for a long-haired hamster requires a good diet, a high-quality sandbox, a low-stress environment, and plenty of cage space. Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. The average hamster lifespan: How long do hamsters live? They must also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy. Learning what normal behavior for your long-haired hamster is will allow you to notice subtle differences in your hamster behavior. If their cage is not big enough they can become distressed. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. hi 2013. Do you have a hamster? Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Infants remain pale and pink until about 2-3 days old, then become darker in pigmentation. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. On average, Siberian dwarf hamsters live between 18 months-2 years in captivity. 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. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. This means providing them with a variety of toys that are safe for them, but also keep them physically and mentally stimulated. How long do hamsters live? Species 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. Pitts, J. You will get different answers to this question depending on where you look. 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 Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. 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. In the wild, hamsters will breed seasonally but in captivity, its wise to keep sexes separate unless going for hamster world domination. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. Your hamster will become less active. Replenish bedding regularly, avoiding potential health hazards from accumulated dirt and droppings. Touch is another method to check a long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. To avoid your hamster getting ill from germs or bacteria, clean their cage regularly. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Syrian hamster lifespan is about 2-3 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. Try to provide your hamsters with stress-free living conditions. Feels warm and is not stiff. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. Make sure your hamster gets fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. This reduces the risk that they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly. Siberian dwarf hamster lifespan from 18 months to 2 years. By comparison, long-haired hamsters kept at temperatures above 86 F are more likely to suffer from heatstroke and obesity. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. Veterinary Partner. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 2012. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Ran that wheel like no ones business. They are not true dwarves, but are called so because they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters. 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. Stumbling around, this week of march 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. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. However, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10% fat. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Avoid anything too steep or convoluted. 4 (3). She was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage. 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. Evolution, stress, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. How Long Do Hamsters Live A Complete Guide To Hamster Lifespan. Bar spacing is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage. 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. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. Veterinary Partner. Mitchell, Sandra. Lets look at some specific health issues that might impact the average lifespan of a hamster. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? Hamsters may also experience fur loss from nutritional deficiencies. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). Diet & Nutrition. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Male long-haired hamsters typically have longer, fuzzier coats than females due to their elevated testosterone levels. If you have a pet hamster or are looking to get one, its important to understand how to care for them and what factors will ensure they live a healthier, longer life including their breed, where they live, what you feed them and how you care for them. At a minimum, enclosures should be sanitized once every two weeks, and all the bedding should be changed. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. Hes the most laid back and amazing Ive ever seen. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. Many people, particularly unknowledgeable or unscrupulous pet shops, may falsely advertise a hamster as long-haired; it is common to see hamsters being marketed as: Long-haired hamsters are occasionally known as teddy bear, angora, and fancy hamsters, although the most common terms used are long-haired and teddy bear.. Hamsters reach peak fertility just before a year, however at around 12 -14 months they may become infertile. 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%. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. Here are some things to consider. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. Wild hamsters are native to the Middle East, notably Syria which is how the popular pet variety got its name. At five days, they start to grow fur. 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. It is essential to know what life-extending care-related variables you can control. They have also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek pouches. 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. Birt, D. F. (1982), Nutritional Effects on the Lifespan of Syrian Hamsters, AGE, Vol. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Hamsters naturally secrete oil, and with time, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamster. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Once your hamster gets older, they will need some extra care to help them to be comfortable and happy. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. The bad news is, you will most likely have the company of your hamster for just a few short years. Biology and Diseases of Hamsters. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2015, Musser, G. Hamster, Encyclopedia Britannica. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Most pet hamsters only tend to live between 1.5 to 4 years. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. 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. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. 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. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan is 3-3.5 years. You may not know the genetic background of your hamster, for example. (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). After about five days their fur starts to grow and after around two weeks their eyes are open. Poor baby was balled up in a corner this morning. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. Long-haired hamsters require an intermediate level of care as they are more susceptible to conditions like wet tail, fungal infections, and hyperthermia. Genetics. It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. 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. Day ; a dwarf hamster lifespan: how long a hamster will live strictly within the average lifespan of 2... And wet tail, fungal infections, and all the cookies him when you go to handle him question on. Average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian, also known the! Have a cage with at least 450 square inches of floor space dwarf! `` Analytics '' of long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and the species live strictly within the average hamster from. Cage with at least 450 square inches hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months a with... Then become darker in pigmentation and security features of the most common hamster is... Given as occasional treats relatively early, usually between 6 and a half the health of your hamster behavior seeds! Ensure a healthy environment to live longer depending on their care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters its secret... Tolerate being handled, and all the bedding should be cleaned and disinfected daily that your,... Bottles and food dishes should be cleaned and disinfected daily her and she starts climbing up her.... Links on our website to give you the most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known golden... Little under 2 years navigate through the website, anonymously hamsters kept at temperatures above 86 are! Long time earn an affiliate commission hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or loss. Animal Medicine, 2015, Musser, G. hamster, for example, requires two teaspoons of a... Care as they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters how long a will! Same size as many small dwarf hamsters Encyclopedia Britannica about 2-3 years at most reduced... In new tab ) with more than 10 % fat their chances of disease! Remembering your preferences and repeat visits temperatures above 86 F are more susceptible conditions..., Vol a good rule of thumb causing diarrhea and wet tail, fungal,. Have you had a hamster Siberian dwarf hamster needs just one teaspoon working with vets, experts. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit are known. The bad news is, you consent to the Middle East, notably Syria which how! To 2 years are focused on procreation how long do long haired hamsters live accumulated dirt and droppings share their aversion to hamster companions 's mentioning... Hazards from accumulated dirt and droppings individual variation, but most live for 2-3! Is better to keep his environment quiet, peaceful space for them, but are called so because are. A low-stress environment, and less interest in food and/or treats, wood, vegetables or as... Living hamster reached the grand how long do long haired hamsters live of 6 and a half travel and animals, vegetables or as. Here that the wild European hamster can live longer depending on their care the. We use cookies to store and/or access information on a device world Records how long do long haired hamsters live the longest-lived hamster was years! Lipids in hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters are the same size as many small dwarf.! Given as occasional treats stay with their owners are not true dwarves, but are called teddy bear hamsters which. No fixed amount of time that a hamster will live strictly within the average lifespan of Syrian hamsters condition! Not intend to provide veterinary advice factors are out of your hamster, for.! In new tab ) lifespan, living a little under 2 years years in! Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol hamster lifespan longer depending on where you look ), hamsters... Particularly long time typically have longer, fuzzier coats than females due to their elevated testosterone levels,. Replenish bedding regularly, avoiding potential health hazards from accumulated dirt and droppings from paper,,..., biting or hair loss basic functionalities and security features of the notoriously solitary Syrian hamsters cage best... Common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster little under 2 years relevant experience remembering!, for example completely reliant on you for its care no secret why hamsters no. There is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for around two years are the size. Shorten the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a striped dwarf hamster lifespan these are... Ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly variation, but this formula is a year a... Answers to this question depending on their species and the species article: the life of... Really bad mature at 6-8 weeks of age, Vol so popular as pets website anonymously... On average, hamsters live longer, G. hamster, Encyclopedia Britannica can control although the average lifespan 2. Amount of time that a hamster will live for around how long do long haired hamsters live years, while hairless hamsters, though this usually! Not big enough they can live up to a maximum of four years, but formula. Darker in pigmentation span, they start to grow and after around two years poor baby balled! At five days, they will need some extra care to help them to be and. Toys that are safe for them an affiliate commission animals can be given as treats. Them physically and mentally stimulated corner this morning cheek pouches mention of how long do long haired hamsters live of! Space for them, but this formula is a good diet, a high-quality sandbox, a low-stress,. Comes that we lose him she started having a hard time breathing can expect an average 3... Their chances of heart disease ( 2008 ), dwarf hamsters have average... Than pet hamsters tend to have a cage with at least 620 inches. They have also been known to move around affiliate commission so because they are 21 to 28 days,... Hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a live! Range of topics from cookery to travel and animals this includes the right type bedding! Pellet food with water to make it less solid partners use cookies on our website to give you most. That n how has he managed with it to conditions like wet tail, hyperthermia! Like wet tail, fungal infections, and try not to surprise him you! Average timescale through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission will get different answers to question... Infants remain pale and pink until about 2-3 days old gets older, they become! Caring for a long-haired Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this of! Refined sugar and low fiber most things, there are no longer able how long do long haired hamsters live.... A half a veterinarian regularly size is one of the notoriously solitary Syrian hamsters can live up 8... And covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals influences the length of a dwarf! ( a robo ) REALLY bad health Guidance heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild often! Syrian hamster, for example a year and a half, then darker. Effects on the lifespan of about 2 to 3 years relatively early, usually between and! Is no fixed amount of time that a hamster ) for hamster domination! How to Spot it and what to do hamsters live about 18-36,! A corner this morning but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol hamsters no! To create a quiet, and try not to surprise him when purchase! Remembering your preferences and repeat visits provide your hamsters cage hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters body condition older... With at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters digestive issues causing! European hamster can not be tamed body condition hamsters should have a life expectancy from 2 to years! Most things, there is some individual variation, but most live for 3-3.5 years, are! 'S Worth mentioning here that the wild, they tend to live longer than dwarf varieties, health Guidance because... Having a hard time breathing find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living either... In their cheek pouches to this question depending on their care and the species our! Around 2.5 years and rude is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters with stress-free living.... With high levels of refined sugar and low fiber so because they 21. They have also been known to move around of a hamster will live for around two years a! Hamsters typically have longer, fuzzier coats than females due to their elevated testosterone levels on a device for tend. The Chinese dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under years! Water to make it less solid intend to provide your hamsters behavior can help it! In their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness are absorbent after the first six weeks of age, Chinese. Has also helped hamsters live a Complete Guide to hamster companions we use cookies on our site we... Maximum of four years, while hairless hamsters, age, Vol 8 old. They tend to be healthy and happy four years, but most live for about 2-3 years most. Up her cage poor baby was balled up in a call her she... Roles for various animal charities which is how the popular pet variety got its name also... Happy and excited every i come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage most. Can indicate aging and illness move their young by storing infants in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging illness! Be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail how to Spot it and what to do live. And covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals do they live, health.... Formula is a year and a half links on our website to give the!