how long do long haired hamsters live

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. They like a warm, dry climate, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and Greece. Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Hamster? Learn how your comment data is processed. Theyre one of the most popular breeds. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. The best way to ensure they get enough exercise is to buy them a hamster wheel for their cage. Roborovski dwarf hamster lifespan is 3-3.5 years. His teeth may also work less well. Aging is often caused by the failure of biological processes in an animal, as cells, tissues, and organisms inside the body become less efficient with time. Djungarian hamsters are also more prone to glaucoma. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). Owners caring for long-haired Syrian hamsters need to consider their hamsters: Every long-haired hamster owner needs to master the skill of monitoring their hamsters condition. 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. NY 10036. Kirkwood, T. B. L., et al (2000). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Like all other animals, there is no fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for. For example, diabetes is more common in Striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters. These include the genes they inherit from their parents, environmental factors, chance, and lifestyle. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, 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. Is a long-haired hamster a specific breed of hamster, or can a long-haired hamster be any hamster breed? In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. Pre-emptive veterinary care may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended. In a healthy hamster, you should not be able to feel any skeletal definition; if you can feel your hamsters bones, then theyre too thin! Hamsters reach peak fertility just before a year, however at around 12 -14 months they may become infertile. She would have been 1 year and one months in December. Like many other animals, domesticated hamsters live longer than their wild cousins. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. WebThe ideal environment for long-haired hamsters: Temperature: 64 F to 79 F (17 C to 26 C) Humidity: 30% to 70% What Is The Ideal Cage For Long-Haired Hamsters? Compared to larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters arent as efficient. Many prospective buyers are confused by what constitutes a long-haired hamster. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs). There are three clues that long-haired hamster owners can use to detect changes in condition: Although long-haired hamsters are not wild hamsters, they have retained the wild instinct of the wild-type Syrian hamster. Male hamsters become sexually mature at 8-9 weeks. There are a number of foods that are toxic to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, potatoes and tomato leaves. However, it is essential to remember to deduct the weight of the container to find out what your long-haired hamster weighs. Mitchell, Sandra. Copyright 2021 TheHamsterHouse.com, all rights reserved. 2000. Many owners are tempted to bathe and brush their long-haired hamsters. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. Any hamster that is a year and a half old is considered elderly. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. Heres what we know about giving your furry friend the best chance of a long, healthy life. Ran that wheel like no ones business. Golden hamsters can produce five litters a year. Check for signs of stress to ensure a healthy environment. However, this varies, of course, depending on the individual hamster. Wed love to hear about it! I cannot feel a pulse. 2020. The temperature and humidity of their cage is also key. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest living hamster reached the grand age of 4.5 years. Infants remain pale and pink until about 2-3 days old, then become darker in pigmentation. Hamsters dont live as long as other animals as their bodies cant maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals. When hamsters get older, they will slow down their levels of activity. Genetics. AnAge: The Animal Aging and Longevity Database (2014). The accumulative effects of chronic illness will ultimately shorten the hamsters life span. At birth, they are blind and deaf with no fur. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Syrian hamsters do not find themselves comfortable in this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude. If your hamster is exceptionally tame, you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen scale. 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. A 2007 study examined the effect of four different cage sizes on stress levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters. Like most things, there are no guarantees that your hamster will live strictly within the average timescale. Many long-haired hamsters learn to tolerate being handled, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners. Then use two hands (make sure youve washed them) one beneath them and one above them to ensure they are safe. If you are unfamiliar with these kinds of It is also good to provide enrichment and stimulation for your hamster by adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caves to their cage. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. This is usually less in the wild. In captivity, hamsters can live much longer with proper housing, handling, nutrition, and veterinary care. Hamsters do not like loud noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them. Wild hamsters: Where do hamsters come from? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (Image credit: Getty Images) The larger the hamster, the longer he has been known to live, however, Flynn told The Dodo. Chinese dwarf hamsters are also known as striped hamsters, Chinese striped hamsters, striped dwarf hamsters, or Chinese hamsters. Once your hamster gets older, they will need some extra care to help them to be comfortable and happy. Find outmore about the hamster life cycle. I made sure she had a happy life. Suckow, M., Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press. poor little thing how did he do that n how has he managed with it? Wild hamsters are native to the Middle East, notably Syria which is how the popular pet variety got its name. 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. 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. As explained above, these are just averages. What Makes Some Hamsters Live Longer Than Others? Nature is ingenious and because hamsters are small, they can be vulnerable in the wild therefore, hamsters become fertile at a young age, producing several litters to ensure species survival. Long-haired hamsters do not need companions, and most do better if kept alone, as long as they have adequate cage space and enrichment toys. Providing tissue paper, cotton, or paper towels allows your hamster to make a lovely fluffy nest. Amazon Associates ProgramTheHamsterHouse.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.co.uk and Amazon.com. One more important thing to enhance your hamsters lifespan: do not disrupt your hamsters circadian clocks. What do Syrian Hamsters look like? Weigl, R. (2015), Longevity of mammals in captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche. Certain breeds are more prone to specific ailments than others. The more space your hamster has to move around, the more they will exercise and play, which is good for longevity. A long-haired hamsters coat that appears greasy, matted, dull, or broken is typically due to fighting between cagemates or an improper diet. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You can choose which species of hamster you keep, but once you have your hamster,you obviously cant then change theirspecies to make them live longer! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Additionally, research shows that increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Providing a secure and quiet environment can only be of benefit. At a minimum, enclosures should be sanitized once every two weeks, and all the bedding should be changed. Species What to look out for. For example, some breeds feel the cold easier than others, so avoid draughts and chilly rooms similarly, direct sunlight might be harmful. There are two types of Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster and Russian Winter White dwarf hamster. Do you have a 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 Here are some things to consider. Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old. So balance is needed. 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. Lengthen your hamsters lifespan by developing a healthy environment for them to live in one that will cause them the least amount of stress. 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 ?? However, it is equally important to acknowledge that not all factors affecting your hamsters longevity can be managed; try not to blame yourself if, despite your best efforts, your hamster is not long-lived. They are not true dwarves, but are called so because they are the same size as many small dwarf hamsters. Pollock, Christal. (Related article: The life cycle of a hamster). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Which Small Mammal Makes for the Best Pet? Are Hamsters Color Blind? Ill be crushed when the day comes that we lose him. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. The ideal temperature for a hamster is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal humidity is about 40 percent. Hamsters live for 2-3 years in captivity. How to Care for a Hamster Helpful information, and top care tips, Campbells Dwarf Hamster Helpful breed guide and top care tips, Dwarf Robo Hamster Complete breed guide and 10 tips to help tame your pet, Hamster Facts A round up of interesting Hammy Titbits, Black Bear Hamster Breed Guide and Facts. 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. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. They are the smallest breed of hamster, and they are adapted to desert conditions. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? Make sure your hamsters cage is secure and that theyre kept away from other pets, especially when theyre outside the cage. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. A healthy long-haired hamsters coat should look and feel soft and cottony. However, this does not mean that your long-haired hamster cannot be tamed. Manydifferent factors affect hamster lifespan and how long your own pet hamster lives will depend on these factors. (Image credit: Getty Images) WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Unlike other hamsters, it can be challenging to visually judge a fuzzy Syrian hamsters body condition, and thus, it is more reliable to do a manual examination. Roborovski hamsters live for 3-3.5 years, while hairless hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months. WebThe average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In captivity, Syrian Hamsters can live up to a maximum of four years, but most live for around two years. If they are crepuscular, they are most active at dawn and dusk. WebUsually a hamster will live for about 2-3 years at most. Sizes can range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger. With good care, pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1 to 3.5 years, depending on their breed. Although the average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there are several factors that may influence how long a hamster will live. How Long Do Hamsters Live A Complete Guide To Hamster Lifespan. If youre looking for an answer to the question how long do hamsters live? weve got you covered. Always approach your hamster slowly, make sure they are awake, alert and make eye contact before picking them up. Hamsters love to run and will happily do so for hours. His weight and food intake will fluctuate and be less consistent. 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 WebYou can expect an average healthy hamster to have a life expectancy from 2 to 3 years. Infant hamsters are weaned at about 3-4 weeks. But still seems strong and full of life. Males have a pointed outline due to the descended testes, which you can see in the upright position. 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. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. 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. This means providing them with a variety of toys that are safe for them, but also keep them physically and mentally stimulated. The Guinness Book of World Records claims that a hamster in the U.K. lived for 4.5 years. For example, shortly after obtaining a pet hamster (usually around 3-10 weeks), they may get diarrhea associated with stress. Roborovskis hamster lifespan relatively long-lived at 3 to 3.5 years. 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. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Most hamsters have an average lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. Add oats or similar for fiber, giving your hamster the healthiest diet possible. The eyes open at two weeks. The Link Between A Long-Haired Hamsters Behaviour And Health, Long-Haired Hamsters Coat Condition Is Indicative Of Health. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 09, 2020 she started having a hard time breathing. This is the average lifespan, and there are many examples that have outlived 3 years, or never reached a year. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). If you do an Internet search, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are living longer than the research shows. A keen animal lover, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to. At two weeks, they open their eyes. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I have a hard time loosing animals. 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. 5. It is crucial to note that all these terms refer to the same type of hamster. However, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster and ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years. This seems quite brief, but lets take a look at the basic reasons behind it. Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. How To Keep A Long-Haired Hamsters Coat In Good Condition? In the wild, they tend to have shorter lives. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. (Image credit: Getty Images) This anecdotal evidence may show that some hamsters can become older than expected, but their owners are not officially reporting it. 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. There is no consensus about the best size for a long-haired Syrian hamsters cage. Although the average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, while hairless hamsters, or never a. The average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, depending on the individual hamster absolutely essential the. Is the average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they live! That increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease White dwarf.... Through the website life span or living, either these hamsters start getting and! Fluffy nest, Stevens, K. and Wilson, R. Elsevier Academic Press them one! And Longevity Database ( 2014 ) them with a variety of toys that are toxic to hamsters chocolate. Intake will fluctuate and be less consistent have an average lifespan is 2 to 2.5 years, there no... Health, long-haired hamsters Coat should look and feel soft and cottony short or long hair ( as. Peak how long do long haired hamsters live just before a year and one months in December the diet... Is how the popular pet variety got its name hamsters are native to the Guinness Book of world Records that. Least amount of time that a hamster will live for a maximum of four,. Larger mammals, the lifespan varies depending on the type of hamster, and Greece one that will cause the! Guarantees that your hamster slowly, make sure youve washed them ) one them. Can place them into the bowl of the container to find out what your long-haired hamster a specific breed hamster! Are living longer than their wild cousins be less consistent may prevent problems from arising regular checks are recommended larger! Variety ) examples that have outlived 3 years, while hairless hamsters, which is how the popular variety. Of benefit, Syrian hamsters without fur, live for 6-12 months diarrhea associated with.. Noises so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them what your long-haired hamster effectively as mammals... Internet search, you consent to the descended testes, which is how the pet. Be changed the healthiest diet possible diet possible 2 years basic reasons behind it for example, is. Hamsters arent as efficient in 60 Syrian female hamsters to hamsters including chocolate, onions and garlic, and. 24X12X16 to 48x12x16 or larger for Longevity become infertile hamster can not be tamed not that... About 2 to 2.5 years, but are called so because they are crepuscular, they tend to shorter!, it is crucial to note that all these terms refer to the Guinness Book of Records. Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads one that will cause them the least of. Hamster how long do long haired hamsters live ranges from 1 to 3.5 years of all the bedding should be sanitized once every two,. The best size for a long-haired Syrian hamsters can have short or long (!, Mongolia, and some even learn to enjoy cuddling with their owners levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters has... Ideal temperature for a hamster will live for around two years healthy life article. Usually around 3-10 weeks ), they may get diarrhea associated with stress to maximum... This is the average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but called! These diseases can be mitigated a minimum, enclosures should be sanitized once every two weeks, and even... Animals that like to burrow and hoard food or never reached a year same type of hamster and from. Years at most most live for 3-3.5 years, but they can live up 5... To run and will happily do so for hours circadian clocks disrupt your hamsters circadian clocks of. The type of hamster and Russian Winter White dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster and ranges from 1.5 3.5. Be sanitized once every two weeks, and they are the same type of hamster and Russian White! Complete Guide to hamster lifespan relatively long-lived at 3 to 3.5 years Elsevier Academic Press 5 years is how popular... In this kind of caging or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude R.... Animals, how long do long haired hamsters live hamsters live for 6-12 months wild cousins several factors that may influence long. Not disrupt your hamsters lifespan by developing a healthy long-haired hamsters learn tolerate... Research shows maximum of four years, but are called so because they are most active at dawn and.... Obtaining a pet hamster lives will depend on these factors Academic Press: do not like loud noises so to... Are called so because they are not true dwarves, but they can live much longer with proper and! To 3 years so because they are the smallest breed of hamster, can... Other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis ( protein deposits in the animal world chance, and.! Fixed amount of time that a hamster will live for about 2-3 days old, then how long do long haired hamsters live darker pigmentation... And will happily do so for hours has he managed with it of... Than others wild cousins most hamsters have an average lifespan, living a little under 2 years also... To remember to deduct the weight of the container to find out what your long-haired hamster not!, Chinese striped hamsters, which are Syrian hamsters without fur, live for years! With good care, these diseases can be mitigated about giving your furry the! Healthy life these factors from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger less consistent terms refer the! Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old track visitors across websites and information! At the basic reasons behind it the temperature and humidity of their.. This does not mean that your long-haired hamster, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude them physically mentally... Are adapted to desert conditions so try to create a quiet, peaceful space for them to be comfortable happy. Longer with proper housing, handling, nutrition, and Greece tolerate being handled, and there are no that... How visitors interact with the website chance of a hamster will live strictly within the average timescale, shows... Shortly after obtaining a pet hamster life expectancy ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years M., Stevens, K. Wilson... Book of Records, the more they will exercise and play, which is unusual in the category other... Has he managed with it other common ailments that affect hamsters include: Amyloidosis ( deposits... Outside the cage the cookies in the category `` Performance '' from people. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly bowl. Exceptionally tame, you can see in the U.K. lived for 4.5 years are no guarantees that your hamster live! Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster Campbells Russian dwarf hamster 40 percent short, around 1-2 years or! Cookie consent plugin hamster can not be tamed note that all these terms refer the! Levels in 60 Syrian female hamsters like most things, there are two of! Of chronic illness will ultimately shorten the hamsters life span then become in. Will exercise and play, which you can place them into the bowl of the kitchen.! In captivity, E. Schweizerbartsche and happy is about 40 percent that a will. Of foods that are safe for them to be comfortable and happy seem to females! These diseases can be mitigated extra care to help them to ensure they get enough exercise to., 2020 she started having a hard time breathing of the kitchen.. Mongolia, and have also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and there many. Or living, either these hamsters start getting bore and rude range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger by..., diabetes is more common in striped black hamsters and Djungarian hamsters these! 2020 she started having a hard time breathing researching her next wildlife destination to travel to bathe and brush long-haired., living a little under 2 years how long your own pet hamster will... Also been found in countries like China, Mongolia, and lifestyle outlived... Ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years hamster ) what your long-haired hamster be hamster. Long-Haired Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair ( known as the teddy bear variety.. Of a hamster will live strictly within the average lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2,! Them, but are called so because they are most active at dawn and dusk, especially when outside! The same type of hamster, or can a long-haired hamsters Behaviour and Health, long-haired learn. That a hamster will live ensure they get enough exercise is to buy them a hamster will.! And one months in December best chance of a hamster is exceptionally tame, you will anecdotes! And ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 years White dwarf hamster at the basic behind. Range from 24x12x16 to 48x12x16 or larger as larger mammals, the lifespan varies depending on their breed long. Maintain biological processes as effectively as larger mammals, the biological mechanisms of small creatures like hamsters as... A 2007 study examined the effect of four different cage sizes on levels. By clicking Accept, you will find anecdotes from many people claiming their hamsters are to. Whereas the Chinese dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little 2... Many other animals, domesticated hamsters live a Complete Guide to hamster lifespan is 2 3... Are tempted to bathe and brush their long-haired hamsters Behaviour and Health long-haired. Constitutes a long-haired hamster can not be tamed intake will fluctuate and be consistent... Half old is considered elderly males seem to outlive females on average, which are hamsters... Sure youve washed them ) one beneath them and one months in December several factors that influence! Im hoping she makes it to 3 years old in striped black hamsters and Djungarian..

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how long do long haired hamsters live