How Long Do Hamsters Live?

Your pet hamster has an average lifespan of about 1-3 years.

This is probably just too short for you.

One question disturbs every pet owner: Can you extend their lifespan?


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Is there something you can do to hold them a little longer?

Read this article to find exclusive ways to extend your hamster’s life.

What Factors determine the lifespan of your hamster?

It is not the rule of thumb, but the care you give your hamster plays a significant role.

Sadly, not everything is in your hands.

Some hamsters may live well past the three-year mark.

Others won’t see their first birthday. That’s life.

Factors that influence its lifespan include:

1. Species

2. Genetics

3. Diet

4. Exercise

5. Susceptibility to diseases

Species: How Long Do Different Species Live?

Here is the average lifespan depending on species:

1. Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster: 1.5-2 years

2. Chinese Hamster: 1.5-2 years

3. Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster: 2 years

4. Syrian Hamster: 2-2.5 years

5. Roborovski Hamster: 3-3.5 years

Remember, every hamster is different, even those from the same species.

Even a Roborovski hamster may not live long if you ignore basic factors.

How Do You Increase Your Hamster’s Longevity?

You can increase your hamster’s lifespan by getting excellent housing, nesting materials, exercise accessories, and the most favorable temperature.

Cages

The best dimensions for your enclosure should be 19*19*6cm (length*width*height).

Make sure the bottom is solid.


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Avoid wired mesh for the floor even when the meshes seem to be closely warped.

Your hamster’s feet are delicate, and a slip into the mesh may severely harm their feet.

Most cages in the market are either plastic, glass, or meshed (sides).

Let’s see the pro and cons of each material.

1. Plastic Pens- Their tunneled designs and in-built toys make these pens perfect for exercise.

However, plastic is difficult to clean, and aeration will be poor, even with the in-built ventilation holes.

2. Glass Cage- A glass cage is very easy to clean, but aeration is also poor.

Glass also makes it tricky for the hamster to exercise freely.

3. Mesh Cage- The ideal distance between the mesh should be two inches.

With wire cages, aeration is superb, and hamsters can further use the meshes for climbing exercises.

Just ensure that the bottom is solid and removable for cleaning.

Bedding

Wood shavings or recycled paper pellets make the best beddings.

Your hamster will ask for nothing more. Change this litter every week.

And when cleaning, concentrate on its toilet.

Nesting Materials

Hamsters love day naps.

This means they need a suitable nesting house.


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The nest should be made of soft materials such as light paper towels, cotton, among others.

And these materials should be replaced or cleaned every month.

Temperature

Hamsters are also quite quick to respond to hibernators.

When the temperature slips to about 60 Degrees Fahrenheit, they become sluggish.

If you turn the heat any lower, they will start showing respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing.

If your hamster can’t breathe properly, take precautions.

Increase the temperature gradually to 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit every night for 6-8 hours.

Remember, hotter temperatures are also harmful.

Keep the hibernator at the most favorable temperature.

In summer months, place the cage in a more relaxed room, but it should not be excessively chilly.

Exercise and Toys

Your hamster is a chewer and burrower by nature.

A DIY tutorial video is a fun way to learn to make toys and accessories.

For example, a wooden 4*4 piece of wood is perfect for tunnels.

Drill two large holes in it, and your playful pet will thank you for these tunnels.

They also enjoy chewing cardboards or toilet paper rolls.

If you don’t have the time, pet stores also have hamsters chewing and playing with toys.

The hamster wheel, for example, works wonders.

The wheel may make sharp noises at first. With time you get used to the noise.

What if you release it in the wild?

A pet hamster shouldn’t be released into the wild.

You will be giving predators a free meal ticket (At least this is quick).


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If it doesn’t fall prey, the hamster will experience a slow, painful death from dirt, harsh temperature, unhygienic environment, or digestive problems.

It won’t even have the ability to dig a shelter with its softened paws.

Conclusion

Hamsters live a concise life when compared to humans.

However, with reasonable care, you may live with it a little longer.


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If you can no longer take care of it, find a shelter for it.

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