How long can hamsters live? Hamsters are petite, delicate, cheerful and sensitive, and very interesting. However, many people cherish them very much. But why can they only live up to 3 years old? Let's discuss the lifespan of hamsters and some signs before a hamster dies.
The lifespan of hamsters:
1. Lifespan of hamsters
They have a very short lifespan, with an average of about two years. Hamsters that are four months old are already adults. However, the lifespan of different breeds of hamsters will vary. Male hamsters live longer than female hamsters, and non-breeding female hamsters live longer than pregnant female hamsters.
2. The hamster with the longest lifespan
The lifespan of Roborovski hamsters is relatively long, ranging from 3 to 3.5 years.
3. Factors affecting the lifespan of pet hamsters
(1) Type.
Roborovski hamsters are recognized as pet hamsters with the longest average lifespan. (If not pet hamsters, the black-bellied hamster has the longest lifespan.)
(2) Genetic diseases.
Genetic diseases are like an irregular bomb. We don't know when it will explode, and the following generations may be inherited. Of course, if you find that your hamster has a genetic disease, please don't let it breed. If it has already bred, pay more attention to whether the offspring have genetic diseases and take preventive measures in advance.
(3) Environment.
A safe, comfortable, spacious and hygienic environment is crucial for the health of hamsters and can also make hamsters live more happily.
(4) Food.
Food and water should be changed frequently to keep them fresh, especially fresh vegetables and fruits. Don't leave them in the cage for more than 24 hours.
(5) Solitary living.
Hamsters are solitary creatures, so I suggest one hamster per cage. Generally, one hamster is bullied. Solitary living can make it no longer live a timid life and lead a more comfortable life.
(6) Illness or injury.
No matter what the cause of illness or injury is, it must be treated in time. There should be some common medicines at home. Don't wait until there is something to buy, then it's too late.
4. How to judge the age of a hamster
(1) Domestic hamsters, count the calendar
If the hamster you bought is a domestic hamster bred by a friend, directly ask the original owner when the hamster was born. Then go home and count the calendar to know how old your hamster is.
(2) Hamsters from flower and bird markets are generally not one month old.
If your hamster is bought in a flower and bird market, it is usually not one month old because hamsters are purchased in batches. The longer the hamster dealers keep them, the greater their losses. So usually the hamsters in flower and bird markets are not one month old.
Occasionally, one or two hamsters with significantly larger bodies can be seen. They are overstocked goods and are already adults. Some hamster dealers will put them in a small cage because they fight very fiercely. Due to long-term abuse, these hamsters are usually more fierce.
(3) Differences in appearance among juvenile hamsters, adult hamsters and elderly hamsters.
Juvenile hamsters (from weaning to before 3 months old): very small in size, with baby fur on their bodies (before 2 months old), which feels very fine and soft. The sexual characteristics of male hamsters are not so significant and they are very active.
Adult hamsters (from 3 months old to before 1.5 years old): larger in size than juvenile hamsters, with coarser fur. The sexual characteristics of male hamsters are very obvious. Except for Roborovski hamsters, other breeds are relatively calm.
Elderly hamsters (after 1.5 years old): larger in size than juvenile hamsters, thin in body (over 2 years old), with darker back fur, hair loss, and even massive hair loss. They don't like to move.