Hamster Life Span: Top Ways to Make Your Pet Hamster Live Longer

Hamster life span varies depending on breed, health and quality of care. Average life expectancy is two to three years, although some can live longer up to six years. Some breeds, which are more susceptible to illness, tend to live shorter lives. While big hamsters like teddies can live up to five years, Russians can only reach up to two years while Roborovski dwarves sometimes only live up to a year. 

It’s a known fact that hamsters reach maturity in a very short time. For example, while humans reach puberty at the age of 13 to 15, hamsters do at eight weeks. Gestation period for them is only three weeks compared to nine months in humans. It would be safe to assume that a one-year-old hamster equal to a 35-year-old human being. 

Good news is that you can prolong your pet hamster’s life by giving high quality care and attention. 

Choose a healthy hamster   
Right from the start, make sure that you choose a healthy hamster. See to it that he comes from a clean environment surrounded with other healthy hamsters. Check the condition of his coat and energy level.

Pick the right size for the cage

Your pet hamster’s cage should be big enough to fit in an exercise wheel, small bed, some toys and of course, food and water. Ideal size is 20 to 25 square inches for a single hamster. 

Feed a well balanced diet

Like with other pets, your hamster also needs highly nutritious food to stay in good shape. Feed clean and nutritious foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, and pellets. Don’t forget to provide fresh and clean water every day as well. 

Promote regular exercise

Hamsters are very active creatures that require regular exercise. Lack of exercise can make your pet fat and weak. Install a small exercise wheel inside his cage to keep him active throughout the day. 

Know about hamster’s territorial requirements

Apart from being active, hamsters are also territorial creatures. If they don’t get along well with each other, they tend to fight and this can cause fatalities. The best thing to do is to keep one hamster per cage. However, if you own robo dwarf hamsters, which are known to get along well, you can have two to three per cage. 

Although a hamster life span is quite short, you can ensure that your pet lives a fulfilled and happy life by following the tips mentioned above.