Hamster lifespan

Published: 23 Jun Last Updated: 23 Jun The average lifespan of pet hamsters was 1.

Are you looking into getting a hamster as a pet? If so, there are various things that you should know about the hamster that you are going to own. One of the things that many people want to know when they decide that it is time for them to get a pet is this - how long will my pet live? Learning more about the average life of a hamster is a good idea before you bring one into your family. If you choose to adopt a pet hamster, it is important to remember that they will be relying on you for their care.

Hamster lifespan

Are you thinking about choosing a small pet? Learn more about them first and make an informed decision about the commitment they require. It can be tempting to acquire a hamster on impulse. After all, these little guys are the picture of cuteness: small, round, furry, and inquisitive. A great starter pet, right? Not at all! Here are some important questions to consider before you dive headlong into a relationship. Learn More About Hamsters. Small animals like hamsters are often mistreated and forced into deplorable conditions when they're bred for pet stores to sell — look for a local rescue first when you're considering adopting a hamster, and skip the pet stores. Hamsters are nocturnal, which means they will be most active at night. If you're a light sleeper who is disturbed by the smallest of sounds, a squeaking wheel at 2 a. If you work a graveyard shift and are looking for furry companionship during the day, hamsters are bound to frustrate your expectations. But if you're a night owl, a hamster could be the perfect companion when you're burning the midnight oil!

With that being said, these above averages can give you the range that you can somewhat expect. Don't confuse hamster lifespan with a hamster How long can a hamster live?

Hamsters are small, stocky rodents that can make excellent pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around years, but they can live up to 5 years. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair known as the teddy bear variety.

Some of the links on our website are affiliate. By making a purchace via our links, you help us create new content and support animal shelters and funds. Hamsters kept as pets have a lifespan of two to three years, while wild hamsters' typical life expectancy is as little as 12 months. Although there are numerous breeds of hamsters, their lifespan generally remains very similar. So whether you have a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster or a Syrian Hamster, you can expect each to live approximately the same two to three years. The breed of a hamster can affect how long they live. Just like different dog breeds have different health risks, hamster breeds can also have variations in their health. Some breeds may have genetic issues that can shorten their lifespan, while others may be healthier overall and live longer. What a hamster eats really matters for their lifespan.

Hamster lifespan

Hamsters are rodents order Rodentia belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae , which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. Other hamster species commonly kept as pets are the three species of dwarf hamster, Campbell's dwarf hamster Phodopus campbelli , the winter white dwarf hamster Phodopus sungorus and the Roborovski hamster Phodopus roborovskii. Hamsters are more crepuscular than nocturnal and, in the wild, remain underground during the day to avoid being caught by predators. They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and vegetation, and will occasionally eat burrowing insects. Taxonomists generally disagree about the most appropriate placement of the subfamily Cricetinae within the superfamily Muroidea. Some place it in a family Cricetidae that also includes voles , lemmings , and New World rats and mice ; others group all these into a large family called Muridae. Their evolutionary history is recorded by 15 extinct fossil genera and extends back Four of the seven living genera include extinct species. One extinct hamster of Cricetus , for example, lived in North Africa during the Middle Miocene, but the only extant member of that genus is the European or common hamster of Eurasia. Neumann et al.

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Salmonella can also seriously sicken a person who's already in a weakened state from other health conditions. Common illnesses of hamsters include:. Other common ailments that affect hamsters include:. Search Term. Hamster Care Sheet. How long does the average hamster live? Make sure to only provide wheels with a solid running surface to prevent injury. The more space your hamster has to move around, the more they will exercise and play, which is good for longevity. The initial purchase of equipment and supplies is likely to include:. Hamster Housing Size Hamster housing should provide at least a gallon cage, with at least square inches of solid not wire floor space, but bigger is always better. The disorder with the lowest risk in Syrian golden hamsters was traumatic injury x 0. Hamster Cleaning Needs Both the food bowl and water sipper should be cleaned and provided fresh daily. 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:. While there is no exact lifespan for a hamster, they will usually live for years.

Like any small pet, hamsters do have a relatively short average life span. This may vary slightly by breed, genetics and general upbringing.

Hamsters can make great family pets—as long as you keep a few things in mind. Make sure to only provide wheels with a solid running surface to prevent injury. Trending Do cats think humans are cats? The longest living hamster ever recorded lived until he was 4. However they have a shorter average life expectancy than pet hamsters as their young are often killed by predators. Learning more about the average life of a hamster is a good idea before you bring one into your family. If so, there are various things that you should know about the hamster that you are going to own. Top 10 pet tips. Diets made of primarily seeds may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Always check with your veterinarian and human health provider if there is concern about a zoonotic disease, including but not limited to:. Are you thinking about choosing a small pet? Hamster coats should be brushed regularly, especially long-haired breeds. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful?