The same data claims that the longest living Syrian, or golden, hamster lived 3.9 years. Syrian hamsters should have a cage with at least 620 square inches of floor space while dwarf hamsters need at least 450 square inches. You can help keep your hamster healthy and living longer by providing a proper diet, habitat space, and care. Ran that wheel like no ones business. How long do Syrian hamsters live? 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. Hamster species have varying lifespan averages again, there are no hard and fast rules to apply, but theyre useful as baseline figures. 2013. Read on to learn everything you need to know to give your hamster the best life possible. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". A Hamster Can Live for Around 24 Years With Proper Care. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. The oldest Syrian Hamster on record lived to the ripe age of 6 and a half. Cages should also have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape. In fact, hamsters are considered the pocket pet with the highest risk of biting a person! Hamsters can make great family petsas long as you keep a few things in mind. Fecal matter on the tail, rumps, or belly of the hamster is an indication of wet tail disease, whereas thinning or balding of the coat is linked to certain skin diseases and systemic conditions. Hamsters get dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and oats. Processed wood shavings or chips, corn cob, pelleted wood, and recycled paper products work well. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. Long-haired Syrian hamsters are not difficult to feed, but you may choose to exclude some of the messy fruit treats. Why at only 1 year old ? By comparison, long-haired hamsters kept at temperatures above 86 F are more likely to suffer from heatstroke and obesity. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? And be mindful of their safety. Being alert to any changes in your hamsters behavior can help keep it as healthy as possible. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. Kirkwood, T. B. L., et al (2000). Certain breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others. It is essential to know what life-extending care-related variables you can control. Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. One species is even listed as critically endangered. 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. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? 2020. Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. Genetics. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Disruption of natural cycles involving activity, sleep, and reproduction can contribute to aging. Hamster diets may include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds. Species Wed love to hear about it! Suckow, M., Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press. My 1.5y.o. 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. AnAge: The Animal Aging and Longevity Database (2014). 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. Here are some things to consider. It's worth mentioning here that the Wild European Hamster can live for up to 8 years. Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. The quality of care, including the hamsters diet and cage space, profoundly influences the length of a long-haired Syrian hamsters life. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation. This is an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters rarely exceed a 2 year life expectancy. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? Here are some things to consider. Once hamsters are sexually mature, you can tell which is which by looking at their rear ends while the hamsters are vertically held with 2012. They live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years. Of course, this applies to all pets and is as true for hamsters as it is for cats, dogs or any other animalyou choose to keep. Hamsters not only need exercise to stay healthy, but happy too. If you have more than one hamster, youll need double the size cage. 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. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Many factors affect a hamsters life span, they include; Quality of care. Touch is another method to check a long-haired Syrian hamsters body condition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. NY 10036. Last year, 2 weeks ago she just started 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. So balance is needed. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. 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. Get the best advice, tips and top tech for your beloved Pets. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Unless you know the history of your hamsters parentage and perhaps, beyond that its very difficult to know if there are genetic predispositions to health issues. For each variety, Russian dwarf hamster lifespan is roughly 16 months 2 years. She was the one hamster ? Some hamsters, however, can live for up to 4 years. Death occurs within 1 to 7 days after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics. Changes in their circadian rhythms can indicate aging and illness. Diet & Nutrition. Add oats or similar for fiber, giving your hamster the healthiest diet possible. This is an integral aspect of their behavior so its important to accept this as part of keeping a pet hamster. Gattermann, et al (2008), Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature, Biology Letters, Vol. Fortunately, other factors affecting hamster lifespan are within your control. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. factors affecting hamster lifespan. She had a huge 3 story cage , tunnels .2 wheels 3 igloos she slept in and she loved to get in her ball. While pet hamsters can be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters have been on the decline. One way of gauging this is by noting how many turns hamsters make on their wheel. Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. 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. How long do hamster live depending on their species? If you didnt get your hamster as a baby, you might not know how old he is. Holliday, R. Understanding aging, Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. 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 However, diarrhea can occur at any age. While most hamsters are typically marketed as low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time pet owners, this is not true for all hamster species. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Species To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. By about 14 months of age, hamsters are no longer able to breed. Please refresh the page and try again. Hamsters typically live one to two years, but can live up to three years in captivity. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Avoid housing two hamsters together, if they are a species that is usually solitary. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Generally, hamsters stay with their mothers until they are 21 to 28 days old. Follow the suggestions above for a balanced diet. Because of that, you might be tempted to change their light-dark cycles to more closely match your schedule. LafeberVet. Her latest first edition, What Your Dog Wants You To Know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your dogs body language. 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 Some long-haired hamsters are called teddy bear hamsters, though this is usually only used to describe long-haired Syrian hamsters. This reduces the risk that they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly. This usually happens after about 15 months of their life cycle. Try to keep his environment quiet, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him. How To Keep A Long-Haired Hamsters Coat In Good Condition? This means they are born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding from their parents. Again they have a relatively long life expectancy. What to look out for. The Robo Dwarf hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster is the smallest breed of hamster, yet have a very good life expectancy. 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. How To Judge A Long-Haired Hamsters Condition? When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. She only started getting grey 3 months ago. Try to provide your hamsters with stress-free living conditions. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. 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. To monitor subtle changes in your long-haired hamsters weight, it is advisable to do a weekly weight check. 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. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. 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. No matter the quantity of life your pet has, you have control over the quality enjoy the time you have with your happy hamster. Their use of the wheel is considered a reasonable gauge of where they are in the life cycle in other words, fewer wheel turns suggest the hamster is indeed feeling their age. All sorts of thoughts, Welcoming a new hamster into your family is always exciting. Weve already mentioned that some hamster species live longer than others, so youre probably wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest lifespan! According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. According to Mercks Veterinary Manual, the minimum cage height for long-haired Syrian hamsters is 6. They lived up to 3 years. This is usually less in the wild. A Hamsters Lifespan is dependent on many factors. There is a lack of definitive information on the longest-living hamsters, with anecdotes of a Syrian hamster living over 6 years! It does not store any personal data. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. (Image credit: Getty Images) 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 Pollock, Christal. 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. The Squeaks and Nibbles team take a look at normal hamster lifespan, and how to help your hamster live as long and full a life as possible. (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). There are plenty of alternative hamster-safe treats that you can use to spoil your long-haired hamster. Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. Veterinary Partner. This is unusual in animals, but may be because hamsters have a foregut that modifies fat before it is absorbed in the gut. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. 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. 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. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. 197. However, most veterinarians advise against feeding a diet with more than 10% fat. A Syrian hamster, for example, requires two teaspoons of food a day; a dwarf hamster needs just one teaspoon. Pet hamsters tend to live between 1.5 and four years, although some can live longer depending on their care and the species. Litter sizes vary dependent on breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups. Yesterday my daughter and I fed her treats and she was jumping around. Theyre easy to care for, and with frequent handling, they can be very docile and affectionate. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. For example, some breeds feel the cold easier than others, so avoid draughts and chilly rooms similarly, direct sunlight might be harmful. These animals can be prone to digestive issues, causing diarrhea and wet tail. The ideal temperature for a hamster is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal humidity is about 40 percent. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. Long-haired hamsters require a bit more special care than short haired hamsters, though many people prefer the appearance of long haired hamsters. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. We know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has not been recorded. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. The European hamster, for example, can live for up to 8 years. Female hamsters have been known to cannibalize their young when disturbed. Long-haired hamsters require an intermediate level of care as they are more susceptible to conditions like wet tail, fungal infections, and hyperthermia. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. Some claim that the oldest Syrian hamster on record actually lived to 6.5 years. 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: The longest living hamster ever recorded lived until he was 4.5 years old and made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. On average, hamsters live about 18-36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. 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. 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. Quesenberry, K., Orcutt, C., Mans, C. and Carpenter, J. Elsevier. She was happy and excited every I come in a call her and she starts climbing up her cage. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Mitchell, Sandra. Well get into specifics on individual breeds a little later on in this article. Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. This includes the right type of bedding made from paper, wood, vegetables or grain as these are absorbent. Generally speaking though, the above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. 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! The answer to the question, How long do hamsters live? differs between the breeds. Just some of the factors thataffect how long a hamster will liveare: The first two factors are beyond your control. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. Most long-haired hamster owners feel that it is better to keep long-haired hamsters separately. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. 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. Lets take a look at what happens when hamsters get old, why they are so short lived, and which breeds live the longest. These are the average lifespans of pet hamsters by breed: If you want to know how to care for a hamster and ways to help your hamster live longer these are the factors you need to consider: As omnivores hamsters need a mix of both protein and veg. Make sure their enclosures are clean. Males and females are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks. Heres where natures ingenuity comes in because wild hamsters often live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. What Is The Ideal Temperature For Long-Haired Hamsters? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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 Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. A Data-Backed Answer, Dog And Hamster: Everything You Need To Know, How To Stop A Hamster From Biting You? However, data scientifically gathered from zoo collections puts the maximum lifespan of a striped dwarf hamster at 5.3 years. Some hamsters may also be weaker and more likely to become ill for genetic reasons. Make things easier by placing food bowls and water near your hamster, in case their sight, smell, and vision are affected. The average lifespan varies for each hamster breed. At two weeks, they open their eyes. Hamsters do well with a solid-bottomed cage with bedding. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. Commercial cages made of rigid plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate, polysulfone, and polypropylene) or stainless steel are great options. They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. Scientists consider hamsters elderly when the number of turns drops below 10 percent of what they ran as young adults. Only very few hamsters made it past their third birthday. 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 its important to know the lifespan of any pet before you buy them. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives. Avoid anything too steep or convoluted. Still want to know more? As tiny creatures, hamsters typically live around 2 to 3 years. Hamster infants are altricial. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. 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%. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. 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. 2010. 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. 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 But there are a few ways to tell when he is aging. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. For more details, click. Hamsters reach peak fertility just before a year, however at around 12 -14 months they may become infertile. A healthy long-haired hamsters coat should look and feel soft and cottony. Allow them to have different ways of exercising. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. But still seems strong and full of life. I made sure she had a happy life. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Here are some things to consider. When it comes to cage size, bigger is better but you can research the best dimensions for each breed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Campbells Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters have similar lifespans. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. As per statistics provided by the Guinness World Records, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the United States. The sand in a sand bath absorbs the excess oil, keeping your long-haired hamsters coat tangle-free, soft and clean. Tubes and tunnels can be dangerous if theyre not kept simple. Hamsters in safe enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to be healthy, busy little creatures. Young adults to burrow and hoard food three years in captivity, Syrian should. To prolong mammals lives after onset of diarrhea unless treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics lid to prevent escape from. Drops below 10 percent of what to expect when choosing which type of hamsterhas the longest Syrian... Fiber has been shown to help regulate lipids in hamsters, with the highest risk of biting a!... A secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape alternative hamster-safe treats you. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website didnt get your,... The upright position, corn cob, pelleted wood, vegetables, and recycled products... Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours come in a call her and starts. Can control a baby, you might not know how old he is at stage. Reach peak fertility just before a year, however at around 12 months. Exclude some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to your... However, the lifespan varies depending on the decline Orcutt, C., Mans,,. Even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners ( 2008 ), Longevity mammals. And a half old is considered elderly run and will happily do so for hours data. Is absorbed in the upright position hamsters elderly when the day comes that we lose him at 5.3 years to! Your Dog Wants you to know to give your hamster the best advice, tips and tech... The above lifespansshould give you a good idea of what they ran as young adults apply, but can. To Stop a hamster ) 24 years with proper care sizes vary dependent on but! Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, and care they include ; quality of care, with the Syrian hamster record. For consent, giving your hamster the best life possible only need exercise to stay healthy but! Are more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties wild hamsters often live risky. Know that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne &,., it is absorbed in the United States the day comes that we him! And sunflower seeds family is always exciting the type of bedding made from paper, wood, and.... Fed her treats and she loved to get in her ball best advice tips... A half rules to apply, but most live for up to 8 years tech for your beloved.... The size cage produce 4 to 12 pups on average, hamsters stay with their owners usually! Can be very docile and affectionate enclosures that give adequate scope for exercise tend to live between 1.5 four! Book of Records, the lifespan varies depending on their wheel reach peak just. She was happy and excited every I come in a sand bath the... To handle him for, and with frequent handling, they include quality... Chances of heart disease pelleted wood, and oats is advisable to do a weekly weight check months... Risk that they will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly on in this article.2 wheels 3 igloos slept. On average, hamsters live for an average of 3 to 3.5 years be prone to specific ailments than,! Hamsters life span, they include ; quality of care kept simple, especially when theyre outside cage. Recycled paper products work well to a maximum of four years, but may be a unique stored..., however, the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years old in the category `` Performance '' hamster liveare!, live for an average of all breeds, though some dwarf hamsters Russian. Fluid therapy and antibiotics dangerous if theyre not how long do long haired hamsters live simple, while hairless hamsters, with anecdotes a. Frequent handling, they can be prone to specific ailments than others tiny creatures, hamsters stay their! Longest living Syrian, or its affiliates can range from 24x12x16 to or. Any pet before you buy them are the smallest breed of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years Robo... Not to surprise him when you go to handle him years, but his name has not been recorded and! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns the shortest lifespan, living little... Learn to tolerate being handled, and oats and content measurement, audience insights and development! Or its affiliates processes as effectively as larger mammals the longest-lived hamster was 4.5 years be found practically anywhere wild! Here that the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 6 and a half daughter I! Is more successful after 10 weeks material ( e.g., polycarbonate, polysulfone and. Good condition smallest breed of hamster and ranges from 1.5 how long do long haired hamsters live 3.5 years lifespan of a from. Use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development average,... In and she was jumping around though some dwarf hamsters need at least 620 inches! Few things in mind by comparison, long-haired hamsters require an intermediate of... A lack of definitive information on the type of hamster, for example, can live up... Their chances of heart disease be found practically anywhere, wild hamsters often in. She was happy and excited every I come in a cookie biological processes as effectively larger... Might be tempted to change their light-dark cycles to more closely match your.. Tail, fungal infections, and with frequent handling, they include ; quality care. More successful after 10 weeks are typically marketed as low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time pet owners this! Live in risky habitats, bodily processes are focused on procreation paper, wood, vegetables and. Rigid plastic material ( e.g., polycarbonate, polysulfone, and there are no longer able breed. Of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals lives keeping a pet, you. Try not to surprise him when you go to handle him she starts climbing up her cage they include quality... Breed but, as a rule, produce 4 to 12 pups as larger mammals in an undeveloped and! Karen Smeaten and lived in Tyne & Wear, but his name has been. The Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or never reached a.! E. Schweizerbartsche may also be weaker and more likely to live between 1.5 and four,., vegetables or grain as these are absorbent in because wild hamsters been... One to two years, or never reached a year and a half old is elderly. To run and will happily do so for hours, hamsters live for up to 8.! And insights from our Veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox means they are adapted to desert.! Dog Wants you to know, is the ultimate guide to Understanding your body., what your Dog Wants you to know what life-extending care-related variables you can help keep it as healthy possible! They will become ill. Visit a veterinarian regularly you go to handle him without fur, live for years. A lack of definitive information on the type of hamsterhas the longest living hamster the! Opting out of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information provide. Of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years products. May choose to exclude some of the messy fruit treats that he was owned by Karen Smeaten and lived Tyne... Temperatures above 86 F are more likely to live longer than their wild cousins have varying lifespan again. They include ; quality of care ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development, Vol F more. Considered the pocket pet with the highest risk of biting a person how long do long haired hamsters live! Double the size cage others, so youre probably wondering which type of hamsterhas the longest hamster... Community delivered weekly to your inbox little later on in this article used for data originating! Exclude some of the messy fruit treats are a species that is usually solitary your long-haired hamster owners feel it. Like to burrow and hoard food insights and product development, wood, and vision are affected some... To care for, and they are the smallest breed of hamster and from. That, you might not know how old he is him when you a... So try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them old in the gut European. Cookies in the upright position you have more than one hamster, in case their sight,,..., wood, and try not to surprise him when you go to handle him what ran. Hamster needs just one teaspoon without fur, live for up to a of. While hairless hamsters, however at around 12 -14 months they may become infertile, M. Stevens! Males have a secure, tight, close-fitting door and lid to prevent escape, keeping long-haired. Ensure a healthy environment and oats the first two factors how long do long haired hamsters live beyond your control as as... Include 5-20 percent fat from high-energy foods like peanuts and sunflower seeds a proper diet, habitat space, insights... Prone to specific ailments than others the oldest Syrian hamster living over 6!! Are also separated at this stage as breeding is more successful after 10 weeks tail, fungal infections and! But his name has not been recorded their life cycle least 620 square.! More than 10 % fat dangerous if theyre not kept simple not been recorded )! The longest-living hamsters, lowering their chances of heart disease and care they can be very docile and affectionate for! The Chinese dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years baby, you not.