Hamster lifespan

Are you looking into getting a hamster as a pet? If so, there are various things that you should know about the hamster that you are going to own, hamster lifespan. One of the things that many people want to know when they decide that it is time for them to get a pet is hamster lifespan - how long will my pet live?

Seems like a simple answer, right? Not all hamsters were created equal. The life expectancy may differ from species to species. These are only averages, but you'll notice that the lifespan of a hamster is a lot lower than that of other pets. The oldest hamster in the Guinness Book of World Records made it to a stunning 4. Did you know that? Of course you can ensure that your rodent leads a fulfilled, healthy and relatively long life.

Hamster lifespan

Hamsters can make great family pets—as long as you keep a few things in mind. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. At five days, they start to grow fur. At two weeks, they open their eyes. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. Hamsters reach sexual maturity at approximately weeks of age. Ideally, they should not be bred until they are at least weeks of age or weigh between grams. Gestation periods are quite short, at days. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. On average, hamsters live about months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins.

Former editor of World of Animals magazine, hamster lifespan, 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. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Hamster lifespan up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians.

Hamsters make wonderful pets, especially for children, but the downside to having these furry friends as playmates is that they have quite a short life expectancy. Most pet hamsters only tend to live between 1. Surprisingly wild hamsters can live for longer. The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. However they have a shorter average life expectancy than pet hamsters as their young are often killed by predators. Fortunately they have a very high reproduction rate, which helps them survive.

Some of the links on our website are affiliate. By making a purchace via our links, you help us create new content and support animal shelters and funds. Hamsters kept as pets have a lifespan of two to three years, while wild hamsters' typical life expectancy is as little as 12 months. Although there are numerous breeds of hamsters, their lifespan generally remains very similar. So whether you have a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster or a Syrian Hamster, you can expect each to live approximately the same two to three years. The breed of a hamster can affect how long they live. Just like different dog breeds have different health risks, hamster breeds can also have variations in their health. Some breeds may have genetic issues that can shorten their lifespan, while others may be healthier overall and live longer.

Hamster lifespan

Hamsters are small, stocky rodents that can make excellent pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around years, but they can live up to 5 years. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair known as the teddy bear variety. The Dwarf hamster is also a common pet variety.

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Read more. Regardless of breed, if your hamster reaches the age of two they are considered old, but there are a number of other signs to show you that they are ageing:. What are you looking for? Disorders with highest risk in Syrian golden hamsters compared with hamsters that were not Syrian golden included: female reproductive disorder x 5. Many hamster owners use paper bags, cardboard boxes with holes cut out, hideaways, and paper towel rolls to provide enrichment for their hamsters. By the way, did I see my dog scratch today, or was that yesterday? If you follow these tips, you can do everything in your control to help your hamster to live the longest life possible. Hamsters may also experience fur loss from nutritional deficiencies. Selected for you. Hamster Handling Hamsters are nocturnal and easily scared if awakened suddenly. Ringworm in Hamsters. Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Just like all other types of animals, it is important to know that there is not just one length of time that hamsters will stay alive.

Like any small pet, hamsters do have a relatively short average life span.

Lifespan for Different Hamster Species Above, you have read about various ways to help your hamster live the longest life possible. First, handling helps to socialize hamsters, tame them, and make them more friendly. While genetics and species are not in your control, you can do some things about the other factors to help your hamster live the longest life possible. Hamsters usually enjoy running in exercise wheels. Enrichment Hamsters love toys and utilize them to meet a variety of needs, from chewing, climbing, exploring, burrowing, and hiding. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Hamsters seek secluded, quiet areas for sleep, so hideaways are especially important within the habitat. Often purchased by parents as short-commitment pets, hamsters are brought to the vets less frequently than other companion animals such as cats and dogs. If you are going to get a pet hamster, no matter what breed you get, there are some tips that can help you to improve their lifespan. Hamsters will nip when frightened or poorly socialized.