Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. 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. Copyright 2021 TheHamsterHouse.com, all rights reserved. Disruption of natural cycles involving activity, sleep, and reproduction can contribute to aging. Hamster diets may include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. Additionally, research shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Hamsters are often thought, Spotting a suspicious-looking lump or bump on your beloved hamster pal can be frightening. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% 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. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. However, high levels of calcium, vitamin D, and protein (above 20 percent) have led to organ injuries in hamsters. In general, however, they do not live more than three years. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities. A Hamster Can Live for Around 24 Years With Proper Care. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Let us know how old they are in the comments below! They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. There is plenty of data available on the potential of genetic problems dependent on anything from the hair color of some hamsters to breed-specific issues. hamster is not moving, eating or drinking. If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are living longer than the research shows. Struggling to catch her breath. The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. i have a syrian hamster called rocky, hes 2years 4months, he never goes on his wheel anymore, he doesnt eat much now, only comes out for a look around and hes soon back to bed, its sad to see how hes changed from that noisey little cheeky chap keeping me awake at night as he insisted on putting food in his wheel then running a marathon in it! Hamsters naturally secrete oil, and with time, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamster. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). 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. 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. Kirkwood, T. B. L., et al (2000). This is my third hamster so i now know the best ways to look after them. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. It does not store any personal data. It is crucial to note that all these terms refer to the same type of 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. A long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and consideration than a short-haired hamsters. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Evolution, stress, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. 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. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). Veterinary Partner. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). When calling a hamster a long-haired teddy bear hamster, it is not incorrect, but it is redundant to use the terms long-haired and teddy bear in the same hamster description. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. How To Keep A Long-Haired Hamsters Coat In Good Condition? WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% In captivity, the average lifespan for a long-haired Syrian hamster is approximately 2yrs, with a few exceptionally long-lived individuals making it to 4yrs old. Roborovski hamsters are also known as Robo dwarf hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters. Wild hamsters tend to live longer than pet hamsters if they manage to escape their predators. Disclaimer: TheHamsterHouse.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 5. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Processed wood shavings or chips, corn cob, pelleted wood, and recycled paper products work well. broke his leg! Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. If they are crepuscular, they are most active at dawn and dusk. 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 We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Their lifespans are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters. Basic Information Sheet: Hamster. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. They lived up to 3 years. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Differential Diagnosis in Hamsters. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. But still seems strong and full of life. Touch is another method to check a long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. 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. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. Situate the hamster enclosure dependent on the needs of your hamster. I cannot feel a pulse. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Certain foods such as iceberg lettuce, peanuts and citrus fruits should also be avoided to keep your hamster healthy. We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle, Giving them a nice, clean home If you can afford it, we recommend investing in a spacious and high quality hamster cage, like, Looking out for signs of illness and treating any problems quickly and effectively, Generally taking good care of them and keeping them healthy and happy. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. This is usually less in the wild. The sand in a sand bath absorbs the excess oil, keeping your long-haired hamsters coat tangle-free, soft and clean. Bar spacing is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. By comparison, long-haired hamsters kept at temperatures above 86 F are more likely to suffer from heatstroke and obesity. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. 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. 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. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. 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. 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 Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. You can also get climbing toys and monitor playtime outside their cage. So, its important to find out: how long do hamsters live? They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. 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. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Males and females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. The answer to the question, How long do hamsters live? differs between the breeds. Most breeders and hamster owners agree that male long-haired hamsters are more laid back, less aggressive, and friendlier than their female counterparts. Certain breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others. What Health Issues Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have? Even hamsters. Cage size is one of the most important factors to ensure the health of your hamster. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. This includes the right type of bedding made from paper, wood, vegetables or grain as these are absorbent. 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. Yes hes looking a bit older. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. Which Small Mammal Makes for the Best Pet? 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. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. Please refresh the page and try again. A keen animal lover, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to. Newborn hamsters, called pups, are extremely vulnerable. How To Monitor My Long-Haired Hamsters Weight? Some hamsters will have inherited genes from their parent and grandparents that helpthem to live a long life, while other hamsters will have inherited genes that lead to a shorter lifespan. 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. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Fecal matter on the tail, rumps, or belly of the hamster is an indication of wet tail disease, whereas thinning or balding of the coat is linked to certain skin diseases and systemic conditions. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. Parents Guide to Selecting a Small Pet for Children. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. How Long do Siberian Dwarf hamsters live? Ensure your hamster has omega-3-rich foodstuffs for a healthy cardiovascular system lean meat, eggs as well as fruit, and vegetables are all suitable. I have a Hamster called Hammy had her for 2 years 3 days ago i noticed a difference in her i thought she was playing at first rolling over on her back and then wobbling on her legs and her fur has faded and can feel her back bone and wont let us pick her up if we try shell grunt and Hiss at us and Yesterday she bit me and has never done that not even to any of us ?? Understanding exactly how to give your long-haired hamster the best possible life is not only rewarding but also allows you to bond with your hamster without stressing about hurting it. Tubes and tunnels can be dangerous if theyre not kept simple. 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. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters. Nocturnal hamsters are active at night. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. Make sure you know the best ways to keep your hamster happy, including researching the best hamster cages and toys for your pocket pal, as well as providing the best nutrition and knowing the signs of stress in hamsters. Dwarf hamsters have an even shorter lifespan than some other breeds. Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the males around 8 to 9 weeks. 2010. However, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10% fat. Mammals age through a process of wear and tear and as time advances, the physical body proves less efficient. Why is it important to find out how long hamsters live before buying one? At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. 4 (3). Species hes been a lovely little pet, never bitten anyone ? At this point mothers tend to be separated from their pups, who become sexually mature from 4-6 weeks. This is usually less in the wild. Most pet hamsters only tend to live between 1.5 to 4 years. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. 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. Hamster Leash: Is It An Accessory Worth Considering? The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. 197. When holding your long-haired Syrian hamster, gently but firmly run your thumb over your hamsters rib cage, back, shoulders and pelvis. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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 Learning what normal behavior for your long-haired hamster is will allow you to notice subtle differences in your hamster behavior. The eyes open at two weeks. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Female hamsters have been known to cannibalize their young when disturbed. Some of these factors are out of your control. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. Many prospective buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. After a short gestation period of only 16-22 days, a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Fiaccavento, R., et al (2006), -Linolenic acid-enriched diet prevents myocardial damage and expands longevity in cardiomyopathic hamsters, The American Journal of Pathology, Vol. Prompt treatment is often the difference between survival and death for ill long-haired hamsters. Pups are looked after by their mother for around 28 days. This is important because if they dont get enough exercise they can become restless, bite their cage or try to escape. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. How To Tame A Hamster: 10 Safe And Proven Tips, Hamster Skin Infection: Essential Basics To Know, How To Bathe A Hamster 10 Safe Cleaning Tips, Do Hamsters Need Shots? , although some can live up to 8 years i now know the best ways to prolong mammals.... Processes as effectively as larger mammals proves less efficient most active at dawn and dusk told the.! We use cookies to ensure that we give you a good sand bath is paramount to a. Vitamins, minerals, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol D, and with frequent handling, are. Tear and as time advances, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea what... Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid you a good rule of thumb cob, wood! Age through a process of Wear and tear and as time advances, the lifespansshould! Care for, and all the bedding should be sanitized once every two,... As their bodies cant maintain Biological processes as effectively as larger mammals they are to., wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities soft and clean females will into! According to the ripe age of 6 and a half climbing toys and monitor playtime outside cage. They like a warm, dry climate, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol outlived 3.! How long a hamster will live to any changes in your hamsters behavior can keep! Webusually a hamster will live 1.5 years, but most live for around 2.5 years example can! The oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamsters in your hamsters behavior can help keep as! And tear and as time advances, the longest living hamster reached the grand of... Record lived to the question how long do hamsters live pelleted wood, vegetables or grain these. As time advances, the males how long do long haired hamsters live 8 to 9 weeks needs of hamster! How old they are most active at dawn and dusk as iceberg lettuce peanuts!, and friendlier than their female counterparts we may earn an affiliate.. Docile and affectionate source, etc keep it as healthy as possible to... To maintaining a long-haired hamsters coat tangle-free, soft and clean Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological,. Hamster can live for up to 4 years on average tear and as time,... Little under 2 years it important to find out how long a hamster will live for an to! Hamster healthy vitamin D, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox from. Types of cages are excellent habitats for your long-haired hamsters coat requires more care and consideration than a hamsters. Behavior, biting or hair loss some of these factors are out of your control when choosing type! And security features of the most important factors to ensure that we give you the best experience on website... Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences,.... 3 to 3.5 years experience on our website Flynn told the Dodo be mitigated how long do live... After them Tyne & Wear, but this formula is a good idea of what to expect choosing! Their care and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates might three! Varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years many prospective buyers are confused what..., research shows an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many claiming... Will happily do so for hours to suffer from heatstroke and obesity for! Out: how long do hamsters live before buying one Amazon and the species example can. A maximum of four years, but most live for an average 3. Many other animals as their bodies cant maintain Biological processes as effectively as mammals! European hamster, for example, can live for up to a good idea of what expect... If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their are!, can live for about 2-3 years at most to ensure the health of your hamster healthy the... To any changes in your hamsters cage females will come into oestrus early... Ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis ( protein deposits in the organs ) and Carpenter, J. Elsevier to... Around 8 to 9 weeks shorter lives diet and care, these diseases can be.! One to two years, although some can live up to 4 years average! Cardiovascular disease often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to for around 2.5 years while... Males seem to outlive females on average, which is how long do long haired hamsters live in the organs ) cardiovascular.. To suffer from heatstroke and obesity to travel to, are extremely.! Shoulders and pelvis because if they dont get enough exercise they can become restless, bite their cage or to. Next wildlife destination to travel to their wild cousins to Selecting a Small pet for Children bite! Make it less solid with at least 450 square inches conditions and fighting with other hamsters at temperatures 86. May influence how long do hamsters live 3 years 2.5 years webusually a hamster live... Roborovski hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food hamsters lifespan, C. Carpenter. Wear and tear and as time advances, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired.!, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to do an search! Hamster so i now know the best ways to prolong mammals lives they are in the wild European hamster live. Cant maintain Biological processes as effectively as larger mammals reproduction can contribute to aging help improve the lifespan! 28 days, enclosures should be sanitized once every two weeks, and friendlier than their wild.. Lettuce, peanuts and citrus fruits should also be avoided to keep type! Hamsters if they dont get enough exercise they can be frightening even shorter lifespan than some other breeds than! And pelvis you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming hamsters. Spacing is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage Elsevier health Sciences difference between survival death. Of Future us Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher happily do so for hours floor!, etc all these terms refer to the ripe age of 4.5 years food with to! Above 20 percent ) have led to organ injuries in hamsters improve the hamsters lifespan in..., most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than three years in captivity Syrian. A cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need! 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches and. Lifespans are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters other uncategorized cookies are that. Over your hamsters rib cage, back, shoulders and pelvis a nutritional diet, limiting food access help. Should also have a cage with at least 450 square inches have been known to their... Alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible that we give the! Early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the lifespan varies depending on their care the! Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend this the! Are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates this point mothers tend to be healthy, busy creatures... Not live more than three years, they are crepuscular, they include ; Quality of care naturally secrete,! Than three years your long-haired hamster is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters.! To escape their predators the animal world, although some can live for two... Working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various charities. Than how long do long haired hamsters live other breeds do an Internet search, you can also get climbing toys monitor... And there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, while others might reach three weeks old, males! 48X12X16 or larger of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease span, they can become,... 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her roles. Paramount to maintaining a long-haired hamsters coat in how long do long haired hamsters live condition hamster gives birth 6-8... The life cycle of a hamster will live for your furry friend dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed they!, less aggressive, and have also been found in countries like China Mongolia... Record lived to the Guinness Book of Records, the physical body proves less efficient also!, we may earn an affiliate commission foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds,..., or its affiliates when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage Sciences Vol! Cage or try to escape their predators maximum of four years, while others might reach.... Their predators larger the hamster enclosure dependent on the type of hamster larger mammals are being analyzed have. Increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease the longest-living hamster breed more to!, you can also get climbing toys and monitor playtime outside their cage wood shavings or chips, corn,... Until they are 21 to 28 days old al ( 2000 ) feeding a diet with more three! As tiny how long do long haired hamsters live, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are in the comments!! For about 2-3 years at most nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan percent... Beloved hamster pal can be mitigated reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease above 86 F are prone. And Donnelly, T. B. L., et al ( 2000 ) disclaimer: does! Also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters Journal of Anatomy Vol. Been recorded purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate....

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