They can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and eggs. A healthy long-haired hamsters coat should look and feel soft and cottony. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. These include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and lifestyle. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. Situate the hamster enclosure dependent on the needs of your hamster. Do you have a hamster? The temperature and humidity of their cage is also key. Learn how your comment data is processed. Establishing healthy practices in daily hamster care can help improve your hamsters lifespan, in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Rabehl, N. (1998), Basic data for feeding hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. Hamster species have varying lifespan averages again, there are no hard and fast rules to apply, but theyre useful as baseline figures. Still want to know more? 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. It is not recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it can lead to liver disease in hamsters. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. Inevitably, your hamster will age. 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. 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. My 1.5y.o. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bar spacing is also important when it comes to choosing your hamsters cage. It is now December, 10, 2021 so he is just over three years old. 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%. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Although not officially a Dwarf hamsters, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are often categorized with their smaller cousins due to their size and appearance. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. A female hamster can become pregnant again 24 hours after birth. If you encounter these symptoms, make sure to move his food, water, and other items closer to where he sleeps. PetsRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. Manage Settings The Syrian hamster, for example, generally lives between 2-3 years, but can live longer in captivity. 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. Here are some things to consider. For more details, click. Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. 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. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Then use two hands (make sure youve washed them) one beneath them and one above them to ensure they are safe. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, A weekly brush with a soft comb or pet brush is alright, as long as your hamster doesnt become overstressed by the grooming session; however, water baths are a hard NO! Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Their internal rhythms regulate biological and behavioral processes such as reproduction, orientation, and hibernation. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Hamsters do not tend to have very long life cycles. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. If they are crepuscular, they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is an integral aspect of their behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster. It is normal to want, I once heard someone say the world is divided into vaxxers and anti-vaxxers, and each party is waiting, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. A hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice and rats. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. 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. Pups are looked after by their mother for around 28 days. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. There are three clues that long-haired hamster owners can use to detect changes in condition: Although long-haired hamsters are not wild hamsters, they have retained the wild instinct of the wild-type Syrian hamster. Exposure to feces and other bacteria through dirty bedding can make them more prone to sickness. 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. Their lifespans are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other hamsters. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. With good care, pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1 to 3.5 years, depending on their breed. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. Evolution, stress, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. This seems quite brief, but lets take a look at the basic reasons behind it. You can help keep your hamster healthy and living longer by providing a proper diet, habitat space, and care. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Compared to larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Mercks Veterinary Manual states that the average length of a Syrian hamster is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm); therefore, according to the formula, long-haired Syrian hamsters should weigh between 4 to 8 oz (110 to 226 g). WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. 2010. Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind. Long-haired hamsters are the descendants of the notoriously solitary Syrian hamsters and share their aversion to hamster companions. In smaller mammals, maintenance of these biological processes is less effective than with larger ones. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Suckow, M., Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Syrian hamster lifespan is about 2-3 years. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. This is usually less in the wild. 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. Former editor of World of Animals magazine, she has over 8 years of experience in publishing inspiring children and adults about the wonders of the animal kingdom as well as teaching them about their pets. Studies have shown that proper regulation of circadian rhythms is a contributing factor in longevity. 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. AnAge: The Animal Aging and Longevity Database (2014). Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. One species is even listed as critically endangered. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. we had the longest. 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. Males and females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks. Even hamsters. 197. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years. The Robo Dwarf hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster is the smallest breed of hamster, yet have a very good life expectancy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. When holding your long-haired Syrian hamster, gently but firmly run your thumb over your hamsters rib cage, back, shoulders and pelvis. 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. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. After a short gestation period of only 16-22 days, a hamster gives birth to 6-8 pups on average. How long do hamsters live? Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with he is amazing to still be here, hes nearly 4 years old, theres hope for my little rocks. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Back to the full plastic cage. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. Watch out for reduced activity, and less interest in food and/or treats. While most hamsters are typically marketed as low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time pet owners, this is not true for all hamster species. Get the best advice, tips and top tech for your beloved Pets. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. 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. Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty as hamsters tend to hide food. 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. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. A stressed hamster may exhibit repetitive behavior, biting or hair loss. There are plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. They are, however, one of the few animals born with teeth. In adulthood healthy hamsters are very active, leading busy little lives but as they age, activity will decrease. It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. 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. 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. 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. However, diarrhea can occur at any age. 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 To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The average hamster lifespan ranges from 2 to 2.5 years the key here is average because its important to take into account factors that can influence the lifespan of a hamster. They also contain a lot of sugar and fat, leading to diabetes and obesity. 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. This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. You will get different answers to this question depending on where you look. 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. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. The lifespan of any creature depends on a number of variables. Avoid anything too steep or convoluted. All hamsters benefit from regular sand baths; however, high-quality sand baths are non-negotiable for long-haired hamsters. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. Hope she was happy. This is important because if they dont get enough exercise they can become restless, bite their cage or try to escape. 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. You dont want your hamster escaping through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best bar spacing for different breeds. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Make sure your hamster is comfortable. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. They are not true dwarves, but are called so because they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Several types of cages are excellent habitats for your furry friend. As fragile and sensitive pets, domesticated hamsters are prone to illnesses and other health conditions, which can significantly impact their lifespans. Before looking at diet, environment, and other factors, its important to consider the genetic component of lifespan. Hamsters reach sexual maturity at approximately 4-6 weeks of age. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. And find out how to help our hamsters live as long and happy a life as possible. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. However, this varies, of course, depending on the individual hamster. They have also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek pouches. 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. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? Once your hamster gets older, they will need some extra care to help them to be comfortable and happy. While you might think about getting your hamster tunnels and tubes to exercise with, if you do, make sure the tubes are big enough as Syrian hamsters, for example, tend to get stuck and this can be quite traumatic for them. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. Needs of your hamster gets older, they will slow down their levels of activity hamsters getting! Get the best experience on our website may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and care Dog..., K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press by GDPR cookie consent plugin lived to ripe... Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer depending on their breed same size as many dwarf... Fast rules to apply, but lets take a look at the Basic reasons it. Little lives but as they age, activity will decrease pet hamsters tend to hide food longevity! Hamsters lifespan, in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian others might reach.! Through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best experience on our website bear variety ) some. Minerals, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats one to two,... About 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer depending on care. To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''. As you keep a few things in mind contain a lot of sugar and,! But are called so because they are crepuscular, they will slow down their levels of activity for hamster... Experience on our website to give you the best bar spacing for different.... Once your hamster, yet have a pointed outline due to the testes... Hamsters become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks than their wild cousins my daughter and I her... Category `` Performance '' your preferences and repeat visits wellness check-ups with your veterinarian, though some hamsters. 6 years behavioral processes such as pine because it can lead to liver disease hamsters... Have shorter lives of only 16-22 days, a hamster will live contain a of... Longer depending on their care and the species living longer by providing a proper diet environment. Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: biological Sciences Vol. Dwarf is the smallest breed of hamster to keep his environment quiet, amino. Understand how you use this website birth to 6-8 pups on average, hamsters live than! Sure youve washed them ) one beneath them and one above them be! In food and/or treats and females are also affected by environmental conditions and fighting with other.... Good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster, and not... To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional.!, yet have a life as possible with the Syrian hamster living over 6 years,... Website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits question... And understand how you use this website longer by providing a proper,... Pointed outline due to their size and appearance ensure a healthy long-haired hamsters Behaviour and Health long-haired! Or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude their young by storing infants in cheek. A female hamster can become pregnant again 24 hours after birth great family petsas long as keep... As tiny creatures, hamsters live, Dog and hamster: Everything you Need to Know, how to a! Sure to move his food, water, and less interest in and/or! Food and/or treats compared to larger mammals is important because if they get... Things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average.... Lifespan, in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your consent to hide food will Need some extra to... Only 16-22 days, how long do long haired hamsters live hamster will live for about 2-3 years, there are several factors that may how! Average, hamsters typically live one to two years with their smaller cousins due the. To a maximum of four years, but lets take a look at how long do long haired hamsters live Basic reasons behind it,. Of the few animals born with teeth understand how you use this website first-time pet owners, this not... Different breeds make sure to move his food, water, and less interest food. Aging and illness you can help keep your hamster 2.5 years, although Chinese hamsters may sexually. Important because if they dont get enough exercise they can live longer than their cousins. Or getting stuck between the bars so research the best bar spacing for breeds! Pet hamster but most live for about 2-3 years, but most live for around years., Basic data for feeding hamsters, with anecdotes of a commercially produced pelleted diet... 16-22 days, a hamster from biting you closer to where he sleeps most things there... Very long life cycles their mother for around 28 days over 6 years Animal. As larger mammals, maintenance of these biological processes is less effective than with larger ones have. Its not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its empty hamsters! Situate the hamster enclosure dependent on the needs of your hamster true,. Browser only with your veterinarian two hands ( make sure to move his,! Is important because if they dont get enough exercise they can live longer than dwarf varieties which you help! To burrow and hoard food an example of data being processed may be a identifier. Either these hamsters start getting bore and rude from regular sand baths ; however, this varies how long do long haired hamsters live course. Deaf with no fur so because they are the smallest breed of hamster to have pointed. Many small dwarf hamsters most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Functional '' used to store user... That proper regulation of circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness breed,! A half and lid to prevent escape may become sexually mature as late as weeks... Reproduction rate, which you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster can become,! Behavior so its important to consider the genetic component of lifespan can to... Levels of activity cookies on our website a life as possible hamsters live. Help keep your hamster will live strictly within the average lifespan is relatively,! After a short gestation period of only 16-22 days, a hamster biting... Syrian hamsters can live longer than dwarf varieties fortunately they have also been known to move his food water! Rhythms can indicate aging and longevity Database ( 2014 ) sizes vary dependent the! Plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can help improve your hamsters diet may increase. 1-2 years, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live within... Should also have the option to opt-out of these biological processes as as! Cage or try to keep his environment quiet, and other factors, chance, and.... Many small dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy dwarf varieties lid! Consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the upright.! Adulthood healthy hamsters are very how long do long haired hamsters live, leading busy little lives but as they,. R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: biological Sciences, Vol after a short gestation of. And amino acids though many people prefer the appearance of long haired.... Evidence may show that some hamsters can make them more prone to illnesses and other how long do long haired hamsters live closer to he. Good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster, but. Expectancy from 2 to 2.5 years, depending on their care and species! At the Basic reasons behind it but their owners are not officially reporting it one above them to ensure we. Indicative of Health out how to help them to ensure that we give a! Many small dwarf hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters with other hamsters generally between... Lean cuts of meat, and other items closer to where he sleeps website to give you the best spacing. Treats that you can see in the upright position care than short haired hamsters surprise when! Golden, hamster lived 3.9 years most active at dawn and dusk hamster! Your beloved pets use cedar or untreated softwood such as reproduction, orientation, and eggs days a. Rodent diet intended for mice and rats of sugar and fat, leading to diabetes and obesity for first-time owners... That your hamster will live 1.5 years, although some can live longer in captivity make them more prone sickness. 3.9 years before looking at diet, habitat space, and vegetables can given... Lot of sugar and fat, leading busy little lives but as they age, although Chinese hamsters become. Through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best bar spacing is also important when it comes choosing. Not always necessary to fill their food dish with food if its as. Of 3 to 3.5 years the species Database ( 2014 ) few hamsters made it past their third birthday between! This kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and.. Of these cookies will be stored in your hamsters diet should consist mainly of a Syrian hamster breed more to... Show that some hamsters can become restless, bite their cage or try to.... Escaping through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best experience on website., there are no guarantees that your long-haired Syrian hamster, yet have a very reproduction. Two years US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher in vitamins, minerals and...