How long does a hamster live?

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Publié par Julie

The lifespan of hamsters is influenced by several factors, including species, genetics, sex, origin, environment, diet, and predisposition to diseases. On average, a hamster lives between 2 and 3 years, although this lifespan can vary greatly depending on habitat, care received, and species.

Now that you know the potential lifespan of your small pet, consider the implications, especially if you have children. On the bright side, you can indeed influence your hamster’s lifespan by providing the best possible care. Follow the guide!

Each hamster species has its own lifespan

The average lifespan of a dwarf hamster is 2 to 3 years. They are easy to care for and can adapt to apartment living. Dwarf hamsters are generally very active and love to play. They are also very curious and enjoy exploring their environment.

Hamster RusseHamster Syrien ou doréHamster de CampbellHamster RoborovskiHamster Chinois
Espérance de vie1 à 2 ans2 à 3 ans1,5 à 3 ans2 à 3 ans2 à 3 ans

Syrian Hamsters (or Golden Hamster)

  • Size: 12.5 to 17.5 cm.
  • Color: golden brown.
  • Lifespan: 2 to 3 years.
  • Feature: most widespread domestic hamster breed.

Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster

  • Size: 10 to 12 cm.
  • Lifespan: 1.5 to 3 years.
  • Fur varieties: normal, satin, curly, rex.
  • Origin: Asia, northeastern China.

White Russian Dwarf Hamster (or Djungarian Hamster)

  • Size: 7.5 to 10 cm.
  • Lifespan: up to 2 years.
  • Fur feature: brownish gray or bluish gray in summer, white in winter.
  • Origin: Siberia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan.

Roborovski Hamster

  • Size: 4.5 to 5 cm.
  • Color: golden back, white belly.
  • Lifespan: up to 3.5 years.
  • Origin: Gobi Desert, Mongolia, China.

Chinese Hamster

  • Size: 10 to 12 cm.
  • Color: grayish brown with a dark stripe along the spine.
  • Lifespan: 2 to 3 years.
  • Feature: long, slender body with a long tail.
  • Origin: northern China, Mongolia.

Factors that influence the lifespan of a dwarf hamster

Dwarf hamsters are small pets that are generally quite robust and can live from two to three years, or even longer with proper care. But like all animals, there are certain factors that can influence their longevity.

To help your hamster live longer, it is important to provide a healthy and suitable environment as well as a balanced diet. Here are some practical tips:

Provide an appropriate living space

Hamsters need enough space to move freely and exercise their natural curiosity. It is essential to choose a cage or terrarium suitable for the size of your hamster and enrich its environment with accessories such as tunnels, exercise wheels, and nesting materials.

Offer a balanced and varied diet

Diet is one of the most important factors for the longevity of a dwarf hamster. They require a balanced diet rich in nutrients to stay healthy. Many dwarf hamster foods are now available commercially, but choose a quality product and don’t spoil them too much with treats.

Your hamster’s diet should include a base of seeds (sunflower, oats, corn, barley, wheat), fresh vegetables, and hay. Avoid giving too much calcium, fat, phosphorus, sugar, salt, and water, as this can harm their health.

Chewing toys

Hamsters need to gnaw on various surfaces to maintain their teeth and avoid dental problems. Feel free to provide them with appropriate chewing toys, such as wooden sticks or special treats for hamsters.

Regularly check your hamster’s health

It is important to monitor your hamster’s appearance and behavior to quickly detect any potential health problems. Warning signs of poor health may include:

  • Lethargy
  • Lack of activity
  • Stop grooming
  • Loss of appetite
  • Cloudy and matted eyes
  • Redness or swelling
  • Labored breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Bleeding
  • Bitten when touched or handled

Physical exercise

is also important for the longevity of a dwarf hamster. These small animals are very active and need space to run and play. Commercial cages are often too small for a dwarf hamster and can lead to long-term health issues. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with ample space or to take them out of their cage regularly.

The number of litters

Another often overlooked or sidelined factor, which only concerns females, is the number of times they have had litters: if she has too many litters, she will weaken much faster and her lifespan will only be shortened.

Stress is often overlooked!

It can negatively impact the longevity of a dwarf hamster. These small animals are very sensitive to stress and multiple changes in their environment. Therefore, it is important to keep them calm and not disturb them too often.

Make the most of their “short life”!

Hamsters reach maturity quickly, with an accelerated life cycle. Females are sexually mature around 6-8 weeks, while males reach this maturity around 8 weeks. Syrian hamsters, preferring solitude, are considered elderly by 18 months.

Despite their short lifespan, hamsters are adorable and affectionate companions that bring a lot of joy to their owners. By following these simple tips, you can help prolong your little rodent’s life while providing an optimal quality of life. Remember that every day counts for our hamster friends, so let’s cherish them as much as possible!

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Publié par Julie

Passionnée des hamsters depuis mon plus jeune âge, je partage avec vous toutes mes connaissances à leur sujet !