If you, too, have recently bought a hamster, there are already so many questions that you are thinking about. One of the main questions everyone worries about is how long hamsters live. Before you bring them home, learning about hamsters' life expectancy is a good idea.
Well, there are almost 19 species of hamsters in the world, and everyone's lifespan is different from each other. But there are only 4-5 species that you can adopt as pets. The longest-lived hamster was about 4.5 years old and registered as a Guinness World Record. A veterinarian can provide detailed knowledge about a hamster. These are only averages, but you'll notice a hamster lifespan comparison. Hamsters have a much shorter lifespan than other pets. You can, however, ensure that your hamster lives a happy, healthy, and long life.
They also have similar lifespans of 1 to 3 years, with most hamsters between 1.5 and 2 years old. This, of course, varies depending on the individual hamster. No hamster is programmed to live for a set period. Several factors can influence how long your hamster lives.
Factors that affect a hamster's lifespan:
1. Genes and Breeds
Hamsters have the shortest lifespans among domestic animals. Under ideal conditions and depending on the breed, the animal's maximum life expectancy is three years. Furthermore, hamsters can live for up to 30 months on average. Although hamsters are not genetically programmed to live for a specific amount of time, their genes and inherited traits may play a huge role. Most people purchase hamsters from pet stores and thus have yet to determine whether their new hamster carries any genes or features that may affect its lifespan. If an illness is discovered, your veterinarian can help you navigate the situation so that your hamster lives the healthiest and longest life possible.
2. Nutrition and diet
By providing a proper diet, habitat space, and care, you can help your hamster stay healthy and live longer. Seed-based primary diets may result in deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They are also high in sugar and fat, contributing to diabetes and obesity.
If you feed your hamster a well-balanced diet, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as treats on occasion. To increase hamster longevity, avoid diets high in refined sugar and low in fibre. You can also provide them with hay to keep their teeth healthy. It's not a healthy alternative to eat pellets or muesli.
3. Lifestyle and care
Because hamsters have a short life expectancy, they reach old age at 12 months. The risk of developing various diseases increases from that point forward; therefore, it is recommended that you see a veterinarian to check your health and rule out any illnesses. Hamsters reach old age at 12 months because they have a short life expectancy. From that point forward, your risk of developing various diseases increases; therefore, it is recommended that you see a veterinarian to check your health and rule out any illness or pathology.
4. Environment and Habitat
To keep your hamster happy and healthy, keep the room temperature between 68 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a recommended humidity range of 30-70%. The average hamster's lifespan is 1.5 to 3 years. They live in a domestic environment and are constantly monitored and pampered. The chances of survival for wild hamsters vary greatly. On the one hand, freedom of movement grants it health and strength, but it must contend with snakes, eagles, and other predators. Naturally, the size of the animal is essential here as well.
5. Cage size and cleanliness
Taking care of hamsters in your space and keeping it clean is essential. Regardless of how old your rodent is, buy a large cage with plenty of wooden toys and munching options. Allow your hamsters to dig tunnels by providing a thick layer of bedding. Clean the cage at least once a week if you want your hamster to live a long and happy life.
Because hamsters urinate and excrete in the same corner of their cage, any soiled bedding material should be removed and replaced with a clean cloth daily. They should be sanitized at least once every two weeks, and all bedding should be changed. Cages should be thoroughly rinsed after being sanitized with hot water and a nontoxic disinfectant or detergent.
6. Exercise
Regarding exercise, keep in mind that the average hamster can run up to 20 miles daily. During the day, they enjoy exploring, playing, and gnawing at things. If they want to nap or sleep deeply, you will only find a hamster lounging around. As a result, they should have plenty of room to explore their surroundings.
You can also purchase an exercise ball with which they can travel around the house for exercise without fear of being stepped on or otherwise injured. If your hamster must spend all of its time in a small, cramped cage, it will not get enough exercise and will likely become bored. It will result in a lower quality of life and possibly even a shorter lifespan for hamsters.
Final Thoughts:
How are Hamsters as pets? You can figure it out by living with them for a couple of years. But the time you spend with a pet hamster can provide you with great memories that will last throughout your lifetime. Hopefully, this guide will make it easy for you to know how long they live and how you can keep them safe and healthy. We are sure you are more than prepared to welcome your fur baby home. You can shop online for hamster supplies, including food, cages, and accessories, at Mr n Mrs Pet and get them delivered to your doorstep without hassle.