As long as you keep a few things in mind, hamsters can be wonderful family pets! They are simple to take care of and, with regular handling, can develop into quite docile and lovable animals. However, hamster lifespans are considerably shorter than those of some other common household animals, so it’s a good idea to keep this in mind when bringing a new hamster home.
Hamster life cycle
Hamsters go through their life phases rather quickly because they don’t live very long. They have no fur and are born blind and deaf. Newborn hamsters are highly susceptible. They start to grow fur in five days. They begin to open their eyes around two weeks. Until they are 21 to 28 days old, hamsters often remain with their mothers.
Hamsters typically live between 18 to 36 months, with the Syrian hamster breed having a higher likelihood of living longer than dwarf variants. Elderly hamsters are those that are one and a half years old.
What makes some Hamsters live longer than others?
Hamsters are preyed upon in the wild by owls and foxes, among other predators. Environmental factors and conflict with other hamsters also shorten their lives. With the right housing, handling, diet, and medical care, hamsters can live much longer in captivity.
Domesticated hamsters are brittle and delicate pets that are susceptible to diseases and other health issues, which can shorten their lifespans. For instance, a pet hamster may experience diarrhoea related to stress within a short period of time (about 3–10 weeks). However, diarrhoea can strike at any age.
Nutritional deficits can also cause fur loss in hamsters. Other typical conditions hamsters experience include:
- Eye proptosis
- Mites
- Ringworm
- Cheek pouch disorders
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Dental problems
- Cancer
- Amyloidosis (protein deposits in the organs)
With proper diet and care, these diseases can be prevented.
How to improve your Hamster’s lifespan
By giving your hamster the right diet, environment, and care, you may help them stay healthy and live longer.
The primary component of a hamster’s diet should be a commercially available pelleted rodent food meant for mice and rats. Nutritional deficits in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids may result from diets heavy on seeds. They are also high in sugar and fat, which can cause diabetes and obesity.
Grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given as occasional treats. To aid in hamster longevity, avoid diets with high levels of refined sugar and low fiber.
Hamsters require a lot of areas to move around as well. A variety of cages make great homes for your pet friend. Commercial cages constructed of stainless steel or hard plastic are excellent choices. Cages constructed of wood or soft metals, such as aluminium, are not advised because hamsters like to chew and escape.
One hamster needs a cage big enough to include a nest box, an exercise wheel, and additional enrichment. The bigger, the better! Your hamster will exercise and play more and be healthier for longer if they have more room to roam. In order to prevent escape, cages should also have a tightly fitting door and lid.
A cage with bedding and a solid bottom works nicely for hamsters. Given that hamsters are prone to respiratory irritation, bedding should be absorbent, non-toxic, and largely dust-free. Pelletized wood, maize cob, processed wood shavings or chips, and recycled paper products all function well. It is not advised to use cedar or untreated softwoods like pine since they can cause hamsters’ livers to become ill.
Adding tubes, exercise wheels, pipes, shelters, and caverns to your hamster’s cage will also help to enrich and stimulate them. If you give your hamster cotton, tissue paper, or paper towels, they can create a wonderful, fluffy nest.
Even though they might not live as long as other pets like cats or dogs, hamsters nonetheless make fantastic pets for any home. In addition, establishing good practices in daily hamster care, good environments, and proper diet can extend your hamster’s life.
If you need anything for your little pet friend, the section below is for you, listed down below are some products you might be interested in, get them today!
- Critter Care Natural Bedding – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/critter-care-natural-bedding-14-litre
- Martha cage for hamsters – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/martha-double-hamster-green
- Ace Pet Hamster Ball – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/hamster-ball
- Trustie Small Animal Home – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/small-animal-home-pink-small
- Oxbow Timothy Hideout – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/timothy-hideout
- New Age Hamster Wheels – https://www.petloverscentre.com.my/products/hamster-silent-wheel-ocean-blue-diameter-13cm
