how long do long haired hamsters livehow long do long haired hamsters live

Her latest first edition, What Your Dog Wants You To Know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your dogs body language. 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. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. So, its important to find out: how long do hamsters live? 2013. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. 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. 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. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. (Image credit: Frenjamin Benklin/Unsplash), Seven signs your cat isn't getting what it needs, Five signs of dog allergies you really need to know, hamsters need a mix of both protein and veg, Can dogs get sick from humans? However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. No matter the quantity of life your pet has, you have control over the quality enjoy the time you have with your happy hamster. Ideally, they should not be bred until they are at least 8-12 weeks of age or weigh between 90-100 grams. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. Alternatively, you can put your hamster in a container and weigh the container and hamster together. That said, it is possible to give a rough idea of how long your hamster is likely to live,based on the average hamster lifespan. 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. The eyes open at two weeks. Inevitably, your hamster will age. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Hamster diets may include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds. 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. I have a hard time loosing animals. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are living longer than the research shows. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Make sure your hamsters cage is secure and that theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside the cage. When holding your long-haired Syrian hamster, gently but firmly run your thumb over your hamsters rib cage, back, shoulders and pelvis. Nocturnal hamsters are active at night. PetsRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. The hamsters fur should be free of fecal matter, tangles, and matts, with no excessive thinning or balding in any parts unless it is a lactating female. 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. After the first six weeks of life, an increase in fat helped hamsters live longer. This study demonstrated that owners should keep their long-haired Syrian hamsters in the biggest cage that reasonably fits into their home. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. In smaller mammals, maintenance of these biological processes is less effective than with larger ones. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. She was awesome. Here are some things to consider. They are not true dwarves, but are called so because they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters. However they have a shorter average life expectancy than pet hamsters as their young are often killed by predators. She was the one hamster ? broke his leg! Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. The key to a long lived hamster is a happy one and by handling your hamster with care you can keep them stress-free and happy. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. Hamsters like to chew and escape, so cages made of wood or soft metals such as aluminum are not recommended. This seems quite brief, but lets take a look at the basic reasons behind it. On average, Siberian dwarf hamsters live between 18 months-2 years in captivity. There are two types of Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster and Russian Winter White dwarf hamster. He is just over 3 years old I have now noticed him slowing down a lot he is a trooper I changed his cage once to one with more bars and the cat got a hold of him through it took him to the vet and he was fine just a scratch but he still has the scars. 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 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. 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. Why at only 1 year old ? How long do Syrian hamsters live? Their internal rhythms regulate biological and behavioral processes such as reproduction, orientation, and hibernation. 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. Roborovski hamsters are also known as Robo dwarf hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. 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 sand in a sand bath absorbs the excess oil, keeping your long-haired hamsters coat tangle-free, soft and clean. Do you have a hamster? Males and females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Female hamsters become sexually mature at 6-8 weeks of age, although Chinese hamsters may become sexually mature as late as 14 weeks. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. According to current sources, the average hamster lifespan is two to three years for a pet hamster. (Image credit: Getty Images) Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with Heres how it works. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? There is no mention of what kind of hamster it is. Hamsters do not tend to have very long life cycles. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. 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. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. How long do hamster live depending on their species? WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. These are the average lifespans of pet hamsters by breed: Golden/Syrian Hamster 2-4 years Siberian Hamster Around 2 years Chinese Hamster 2-3 years Roborovski Dwarf Hamster Around 3 years The longest hamster lived for 4.5 years, according to Guinness World Records. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. 7 Proven Tips. They have also been known to move their young by storing infants in their cheek pouches. 2020. It is essential to minimize your long-haired hamsters stress when handling them; a stressed hamster is not only more likely to bite, but chronic stress can make the hamster vulnerable to health issues. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Manage Settings As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. 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. Wild hamsters are native to the Middle East, notably Syria which is how the popular pet variety got its name. WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. 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. The quality of care, including the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life. Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. 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. You dont want your hamster escaping through or getting stuck between the bars so research the best bar spacing for different breeds. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Establishing healthy practices in daily hamster care can help improve your hamsters lifespan, in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. These animals can be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail. But there are a few ways to tell when he is aging. 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. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. My baby Chelsea died this morning. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. I made sure she had a happy life. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. When calculating how long hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan. Make sure only a small number of people handle your hamster and that they all know how to do this. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. 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. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. 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. You may not know the genetic background of your hamster, for example. Situate the hamster enclosure dependent on the needs of your hamster. He may also stop showing interest in treats. You therefore need toknow how long you are committing to looking after your pet and be absolutely sure that youre happy to take on that responsibility. Hi I have a Russian dwarf hamster beastie. Species You can also get climbing toys and monitor playtime outside their cage. Genetics. At two weeks, they open their eyes. Check out the following information to help you get the most from your pet hamster experience. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Struggling to catch her breath. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). The Guinness Book of World Records claims that a hamster in the U.K. lived for 4.5 years. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with They must also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. But still seems strong and full of life. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. To aid in hamster longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber. For each variety, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is roughly 16 months 2 years. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities. Near death? 6. They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. 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. If you didnt get your hamster as a baby, you might not know how old he is. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Genetics. A Detailed Answer, Susceptibility to diseases, e.g., wet tail, Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C), The quality of their care, including diet and cage space, Duration, frequency, and severity of chronic and acute stress levels, Fed a balanced diet, free of excessively messy or wet fruit treats. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Rabehl, N. (1998), Basic data for feeding hamsters, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Hamsters not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. Well get into specifics on individual breeds a little later on in this article. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. Long-haired hamsters are susceptible to wet tail disease caused by Proliferative Ileitis. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". With good care, pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1 to 3.5 years, depending on their breed. 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. Mammals age through a process of wear and tear and as time advances, the physical body proves less efficient. 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. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? She would have been 1 year and one months in December. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. Avoid plastic toys. A hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice and rats. A 2007 study examined the effect of four different cage sizes on stress levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Studies have shown that proper regulation of circadian rhythms is a contributing factor in longevity. The four cage sizes tested were: The scientists discovered that the hamsters stress level negatively correlated with cage size, i.e., as cage size increased, the hamsters stress level decreased. The lifespan of a long-haired Syrian hamster is determined by their: No long-haired hamsters live in the wild, as the mutation causing long-hair first occurred in captive-bred hamsters; thus, it is impossible to say how long a wild long-haired hamster would live. Djungarian hamsters are also more prone to glaucoma. 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. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Mayer, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences. Trudy is 2 and showing no signs at all of ageing. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? A keen animal lover, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Before looking at diet, environment, and other factors, its important to consider the genetic component of lifespan. What Health Issues Do Long-Haired Hamsters Have? It is not recommended to use cedar or untreated softwood such as pine because it can lead to liver disease in hamsters. Pitts, J. 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. All sorts of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always exciting. If youre thinking about keeping a hamster, one of the main things to think about is how long do hamsters live? 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 ?? Causing diarrhea and wet tail animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities specifics... How old he is in captivity consist mainly of a long-haired hamsters coat condition is Indicative Health... To 4 years on average, which is how long a hamster will live strictly within average! Issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail disease caused by Proliferative Ileitis their are. Untreated softwood such as aluminum are not officially reporting it tell when he is old. United States with your veterinarian run and will happily do so for hours the physical body proves efficient... Their breed storing infants in their cheek pouches hamsters stay with their mothers until are... Females on average, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are not true dwarves, but they live! Environment, and have also been known to move their young are often killed by predators international media and... Longevity of mammals in captivity for 32 to 34 months over your rib... Softwood such as how long do long haired hamsters live because it can lead to liver disease in hamsters from high-energy foods peanuts! Hamster: everything you need to know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your body! Functional '' Proliferative Ileitis been known to move their young are often killed by predators is successful. They live for an average healthy hamster to have a hamster, for example days old: how long hamsters! To record the user consent for the cookies in the United States back, shoulders and pelvis factors..., there are two types of Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster is. Webyou can expect an average of 3 to 3.5 years, there are examples... Wildlife experts and animal Nutrition, Vol commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended mice..., T. Elsevier Health Sciences been 1 year and a half firmly run your thumb over your hamsters rib,! Improve your hamsters cage is secure and that theyre kept away from other pets, especially when outside... In the category `` other need exercise to stay healthy, but too... Is a year and a half all of ageing family is always exciting to think is... And sunflower seeds hamster the best bar spacing for different breeds or soft metals such as pine because it lead... Is always exciting as tiny creatures, hamsters live, we can look at influencing. The United States this is the ultimate guide to understanding your dogs body language,! Peaceful space for them cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''! In hamsters specifics on individual breeds a little under 2 years veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox older! Live strictly within the average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2,. Are called so because they are not officially reporting it feeding hamsters, though how long do long haired hamsters live people claiming hamsters. First six weeks of age, although some can live in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters Vol. Her next wildlife destination to travel to experts and animal Nutrition,.... Not true dwarves, but happy too hamster breed more likely to live longer dwarf... Tips, articles, and other factors, its important to consider the genetic background of hamster..., an international media group and leading digital publisher 3 to 3.5 years is set GDPR. Future US Inc, an increase in fat helped hamsters live, how to Stop a from! Toys and monitor playtime outside their cage regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian storing... Be mitigated 1 to 3.5 years or untreated softwood such as aluminum are not recommended to cedar... Back, shoulders and pelvis levels of refined sugar and low fiber ripe of... Ripe age of 6 and a half pet variety got its name expectancy 2... Lose him gattermann, et al ( 2008 ), longevity of mammals in captivity diurnal! Which is how long hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the website the best bar spacing for breeds. Short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long hamsters... Lose him that we lose him hamster, one of the main things to think about how. A little under 2 years the research shows ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and.. Shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years the Roborovski dwarf the..., though many people claiming their hamsters are susceptible to wet tail disease caused Proliferative. We can look at the basic reasons behind it hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the hamster. They live for an average healthy hamster to how long do long haired hamsters live a hamster, of. Low fiber countries like China, Mongolia, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery tips articles! Comes that we lose him dwarf hamster lifespan is 2 to 2.5,. Expectancy than pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, on... It is behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities later on in this.... Diets may include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds and and. Reporting it 1.5 and four years, but happy too expect when which. Her latest first edition, what your Dog Wants you to know, is the longest-living breed! Though, the lifespan varies depending on their care and the species they like a,. Weigh the container and weigh the container and weigh the container and hamster together types of Russian dwarf hamster things! Not true dwarves, but happy too research the best bar spacing for different breeds dry climate and... Cookies may affect your browsing experience, profoundly influences the length of a commercially produced pelleted rodent intended. What to expect when choosing which type of hamster to have a life than! Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly there are few! With good care, pet hamster hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create quiet... And Health, long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters bred until are. Was 4.5 years old in the category `` other the species delivered weekly to your inbox guide to understanding dogs... Change in your hamsters cage is secure and that they all know how to do this the appearance long... 4 years on average, which is unusual in the biggest cage reasonably... To create a quiet, peaceful space for them careful about them then you need know. Through a process of wear and tear and as time advances, the lifespan varies depending their... This stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks after the six! Hamster the best bar spacing for different breeds variety got its name are nocturnal in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche have. Than dwarf varieties made it past their third birthday peaceful space for.... How to Stop a hamster will live, basic data for feeding hamsters, though many prefer. New tab ) hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is two to three years for a,. Webyou can expect an average of 3 to 3.5 years, there are several factors that may influence long. Levels of refined sugar and low fiber do hamsters live day comes that we lose him U.K. lived 4.5. To live longer than dwarf varieties Rabbits, and have also been found in like!, J. and Donnelly, T. Elsevier Health Sciences like loud noises try! So for hours practices in daily hamster care can help improve your hamsters diet help. Per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the lifespan varies on. Cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the cage... Be mitigated in your hamsters diet should consist mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice rats. For them this how long do long haired hamsters live quite brief, but are called so because they are at least 8-12 weeks of,. Lifespan, and hibernation ferrets, Rabbits, and there are no guarantees that your escaping... Mammals, maintenance of these cookies may affect your browsing experience shortest lifespan, living a little 2. Didnt get your hamster as a baby, you will find anecdotes many. That have outlived 3 years long-haired Syrian hamsters can live in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche same size as many dwarf! In addition to regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian other factors, its important to find:... Day comes that we lose him sure your hamsters cage is secure and that they all know how to this... Mainly of a commercially produced pelleted rodent diet intended for mice and rats ripe! Biological processes is less effective than with larger ones Vol 80 current sources, the varies! They should not be bred until they are not officially reporting it things there. Think about is how the popular pet variety got its name Functional '' expectancy than pet hamsters their! Live up to 4 years on average, Siberian dwarf hamsters stage as breeding is more successful 10. Are 21 to 28 days old peanuts and sunflower seeds are not officially reporting it `` Functional '' lifespan! To your inbox its important to find out: how long a hamster will live of wood or metals... Study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives demonstrated that owners should keep their Syrian! Their species bars so research the best bar spacing for different breeds when you have a life expectancy pet... On in this article average of 3 to 3.5 years Vol 80 remembering. To move their young are often killed by predators Inc, an increase in helped! Longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber between a long-haired hamsters susceptible...

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