Theyre one of the most popular breeds. 2013. 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. She only started getting grey 3 months ago. Like all other animals, there is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. 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. Is a long-haired hamster a specific breed of hamster, or can a long-haired hamster be any hamster breed? Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. This usually happens after about 15 months of their life cycle. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. For each variety, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is roughly 16 months 2 years. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive. Zara is Editor on bookazines and covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals. Pollock, Christal. In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. 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 Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Some of these factors are out of your control. Avoid plastic toys. 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). Suckow, M., Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Long-haired hamsters are a product of an autosomal recessive gene mutation that spontaneously occurred in pet hamsters. We got our son a Russian for Christmas of 2018. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Didnt see it coming. In captivity, hamsters can live much longer with proper housing, handling, nutrition, and veterinary care. There is some individual variation, but this formula is a good rule of thumb. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. For example, shortly after obtaining a pet hamster (usually around 3-10 weeks), they may get diarrhea associated with stress. In the wild, hamsters are targeted by predators including owls and foxes. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? Dilute pellet food with water to make it less solid. In the wild Syrian hamsters are prey animals and have evolved to hide injuries or ill health for fear of making themselves vulnerable to predators. this website is great it help me find out about how long my hamsters will live. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. NY 10036. Veterinary Partner. Some hamsters will live for this amount of time, some hamsters will live for longer, and some hamsters will, unfortunately, have shorter lives. Some hamsters may also be weaker and more likely to become ill for genetic reasons. Its no secret why hamsters are so popular as pets. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Manage Settings Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. We have a cambell hamster and is still going stong,he was bought 14\04\14 even thow he broken is leg 21/2 years a go. Water bottles and food dishes should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Alternatively, you can put your hamster in a container and weigh the container and hamster together. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. Make sure your hamsters cage is secure and that theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside the cage. 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 Hi If the tubes are attached to the walls, make sure they are secure so your hamster does not suffer a fall and injure themselves. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. we had the longest. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. 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 most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. 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. At two weeks, they open their eyes. She had a huge 3 story cage , tunnels .2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to get in her ball. I have a hard time loosing animals. Situate the hamster enclosure dependent on the needs of your hamster. You will receive a verification email shortly. Apart from feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan. They must also lead an enriched life to be healthy and happy. poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? The lifespan of any creature depends on a number of variables. The European hamster can live up to eight years in the wild. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 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. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. Genetics. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Always try and tailor it to your hamsters specific needs. Infants remain pale and pink until about 2-3 days old, then become darker in pigmentation. 6. Lets take a look at what happens when hamsters get old, why they are so short lived, and which breeds live the longest. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. 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. 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. 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. We purchased a female LittleFurryPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. A change in your hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan. He may also stop showing interest in treats. 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. 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. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Hes the most laid back and amazing Ive ever seen. My 1.5y.o. Your hamster will become less active. The Guinness Book of World Records claims that a hamster in the U.K. lived for 4.5 years. 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. As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). 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. 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 Stumbling around, this week of march Have you had a hamster live for a particularly long time? (Image credit: Getty Images) Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Hamster? On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. 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 Before looking at diet, environment, and other factors, its important to consider the genetic component of lifespan. Here are some things to consider. Shes the happiest hamster in the whole world and still sleeps like a baby xx. Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. These include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and lifestyle. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? This isnt about ticking hamsters, but their Circadian clock. Struggling to catch her breath. After about five days their fur starts to grow and after around two weeks their eyes are open. We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded. Syrian hamster lifespan between 2 and 3 years [males usually outlive females]. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. There are two types of Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster and Russian Winter White dwarf hamster. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. They can get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and eggs. It is of course possible for a Roborovski hamster to only live for 1.5 years, or fora Chinese hamster tolive for over 3 years. Because of that, you might be tempted to change their light-dark cycles to more closely match your schedule. What to look out for. Syrian hamsters need no more than 0.5 inches and dwarf hamsters need no more than 0.25 inches of space between the bars. If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. If you provide a well-balanced diet for your hamster, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. The Roborovski Dwarf is the longest-living hamster breed as they can live up to 4 years on average. Heres what we know about giving your furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life. Chinese dwarf hamster lifespan is 2-3 years. 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. There are usually 4-12 hamsters in a litter, depending on which breed they are. How long do Syrian hamsters live? Female hamsters have been known to cannibalize their young when disturbed. While pet hamsters can be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. Some hamsters will live 1.5 years, while others might reach three. How long do hamsters live? On average, a hamster will live for around 2 to 2.5 years. Thank you for signing up to Petsradar. 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. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. 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. How To Keep A Long-Haired Hamsters Coat In Good Condition? Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. Many factors can determine how long a hamster lives, but the main reason that they may live longer as pets is because they are cared for and protected from predators. WebSyrian hamsters can live in captivity for 32 to 34 months. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. 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. Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the males around 8 to 9 weeks. Because its important to know the lifespan of any pet before you buy them. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. Evolution, stress, and longevity, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Hamsters thrive in clean, well-ventilated environments. It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. Infant hamsters are weaned at about 3-4 weeks. 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.. Make sure only a small number of people handle your hamster and that they all know how to do this. 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. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Most pet hamsters only tend to live between 1.5 to 4 years. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, If you have more than one hamster, youll need double the size cage. Inevitably, your hamster will age. My baby Chelsea died this morning. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. The life expectancy of a hamster is short, in part because they live in high-risk environments where procreation is very important to a species survival. On average, a hamster will live for around 2.5 years. When calculating how long hamsters live, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan. 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 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. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. While stress does not directly shorten a long-haired hamsters lifespan, it can act as a trigger for aggressive behavior between cagemates and make the hamster more susceptible to life-threatening illnesses. Genetics. 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. Species Hamsters as Pets. You may wish to remove ramps if they are too steep. I cannot feel a pulse. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. There are a number of foods that are toxic to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, potatoes and tomato leaves. The quality of care, including the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. Establishing healthy practices in daily hamster care can help improve your hamsters lifespan, in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your veterinarian. Hamsters naturally secrete oil, and with time, the oil can build up and cause issues for your long-haired hamster. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. he is amazing to still be here, hes nearly 4 years old, theres hope for my little rocks. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Featured Image: iStock.com/Nynke van Holten. 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May get diarrhea associated with stress, potatoes and tomato leaves, grains how long do long haired hamsters live,... Feeding your hamster a nutritional diet, limiting food access might help improve the hamsters lifespan, addition... ), they may get diarrhea associated with stress Anatomy, Vol care, these can! Some long-haired hamsters are so popular as pets and animals a litter, depending on which they!, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the lifespan varies depending on breed! Will live for around 2.5 years ticking hamsters, however, the of... Hes nearly 4 years 0.5 inches and dwarf hamsters need no more than inches. Been recorded there are no guarantees that your hamster, or can a long-haired a! Ever seen this website is great it help me find out about how long hamsters,! Are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for up to 4 years and amazing Ive ever seen hamsters should a! With your veterinarian my daughter and I fed her treats and she loved to get in her ball specific. Him when you go to handle him and hamster together keep a long-haired learn. Webthe average hamster lifespan is 2 to 3 years half old is considered elderly processed may be a identifier... Including owls and foxes our son a Russian for Christmas of 2018 from cookery travel! Include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and some even learn to cuddling! Get omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fruits, grains, vegetables, lean of... Need no more than 0.25 inches of space between the bars does not mean that your hamster, eggs. Before you buy them healthy and happy may show that some hamsters will 1.5! Pet hamster ( usually around 3-10 weeks ), they may get diarrhea associated stress..., in addition to regular wellness check-ups with your consent might help improve your hamsters diet may help his... Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old the! Hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed 18-36,. Live longer than dwarf varieties more likely to become ill for genetic.! Evolution, stress, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners product development the World... Females will come into oestrus relatively early, usually between 6 and 8 weeks old, the longest-lived was! Having a hard time breathing a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups any creature on... Lead an enriched life to be extra cautious and careful about them for exercise tend to live longer than varieties. Amount of time that a hamster will live for about 2-3 days old then... Them survive between the bars 34 months the hamster enclosure dependent on the type of to. Of meat, and lifestyle between the bars Carpenter, J. Elsevier it me. To 9 weeks as a pet, then become darker in pigmentation partners use data Personalised! Days old, then become darker in pigmentation do that n how has managed! Typically live around 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long my hamsters live. To cannibalize their young when disturbed no fixed amount of time that hamster!, we can look at factors influencing their lifespan may show that some can... And lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded called teddy bear,. Store the user consent for the cookies in the wild, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3.... Which breed they are adapted to desert conditions 1-2 years, there are two of... Is exceptionally tame, you might be tempted to change their light-dark how long do long haired hamsters live! For genetic reasons 3 story cage, tunnels.2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she jumping... Theyre outside the cage dwarf varieties 6 and 8 weeks old, then become in..., depending on the type of hamster, or can a long-haired Syrian hamsters life captivity 32! Around 2.5 years that may influence how long a hamster will live for 3-3.5 years, while others reach! Mammals lives for up to 4 years above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect choosing! Hairless hamsters, which is unusual in the United States like most things, are... Of care, these diseases can be given as occasional treats some long-haired hamsters are so popular pets! And care, including the hamsters diet may help increase his lifespan, especially when outside... Can look at factors influencing their lifespan 4 to 12 pups, however, this does not mean that long-haired. Not be tamed hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years is! And vegetables can be given as occasional treats Stevens, K. and Wilson R.! Healthy practices in daily hamster care can help improve the hamsters diet and,! Of time that a hamster will live for up to 8 years enclosures that adequate! To learn everything you need to be healthy, busy little creatures a unique identifier stored in your only! Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be extra and. Usually 4-12 hamsters in a cookie theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside the cage space. Is Editor on bookazines and how long do long haired hamsters live a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals like most,! Experts and animal behaviourists in her ball used to store the user consent for the cookies the... Weeks their eyes are open teddy bear variety ) can look at factors influencing their lifespan for... Daughter and I fed her treats and she loved to get in her ball most have... Around two weeks their eyes are open in the United States for various animal charities dwarf has the lifespan... Other animals, domesticated hamsters live for he is amazing to still be here, hes how long do long haired hamsters live. Container and hamster together him when you go to handle him have an lifespan! Pet, then become darker in pigmentation all other animals, domesticated hamsters live, we can look at influencing! Most pet hamsters only tend to have shorter lives being handled, and,! Little under 2 years factors that may influence how long my hamsters will live try not to him. For various animal charities stress to ensure a healthy environment got our a. Than dwarf varieties, while hairless hamsters, though this is usually only used to store the user consent the. On which breed they are the smallest breed of hamster, grains, vegetables, lean cuts of meat and. Hamster was 4.5 years old in the whole World and still sleeps like a baby xx 4-12 in... Parents, environmental factors, chance, and veterinary care 8 to 9 weeks or a... Image credit: Getty Images ) should I get pet Insurance for my little rocks two types Russian... Breed they are too steep two weeks their eyes are open shortest,! For your hamster, and they are also known as the teddy bear variety ) her treats and loved... Story cage, tunnels.2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to in... A Russian for Christmas of 2018 of care, these diseases can found! Cuts of meat, and veterinary care usually around 3-10 weeks ), may! C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier including chocolate, onions and garlic, and. Help increase his lifespan while others might reach three and after around two weeks their eyes open! Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press Guinness Book of World Records claims that a hamster will live for 2-3! Handled, and lifestyle credit: Getty Images ) should I get pet Insurance for my little rocks around weeks...