Life expectancy of hamsters - this is how old the pets get
Hamster species, characteristics and life expectancy
Younger children in particular often want a hamster as a pet. A golden hamster in a cage does not require too much care. The average lifespan is around two years. If cared for carefully, it can live up to three years. Hamsters are extremely cuddly animals. Hamsters are therefore very popular as pets. A hamster is small and sensitive. That's why he needs to be treated properly. Hamsters are solitary creatures and do not want to be around other animals except during mating season. Dwarf hamsters are suitable pets for children aged ten and over.
The 5 most popular hamster species
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Golden hamster: 13 to 18 centimeters long and 110 to 170 grams heavy. Life expectancy up to 3 years. Golden hamsters come in a wide variety of colors and fur structures: reddish-brown coloring with black and white spots. Golden hamsters have large black, protruding button eyes and a small stubby tail.
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Teddy hamster: Secondary form of the golden hamster, long fur, shaggy hairstyle that requires a lot of care. Therefore not particularly suitable for beginners. Size: 12 to 16 cm. If kept appropriately, their life expectancy is around 1.5 to 2 years. The teddy hamster is a very good-natured hamster.
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Djungarian hamster: A representative of the dwarf hamsters, 10 cm long and weighing around 50 grams. Gray-brown coloring with a white belly. It has a distinctive black eel line on its back from head to tip of tail. Small ears, short tail. Life expectancy of up to 3 years. He is extremely trusting and curious and has a friendly nature.
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Campbell dwarf hamster: Close relative of the Djungarian hamster, slightly browner, with a not-so-dark eel line on the back. Body length females 7 to 9 cm. Males 8 - 10 cm long. Weight female 20 - 40 grams. Males 25 - 50 grams. Round head with large black eyes. The fur is short and dense. Life expectancy 1 - 3 years. Special features: The Campbell dwarf hamster is unlike other hamsters not a loner. In the wild it lives monogamously. Male specimens stay with their females and their offspring for life.
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Roborowski dwarf hamster: Body length approx. 6 cm, weight around 20 grams. Round head with large black eyes. His fur is short and thick. It is the smallest of the dwarf hamsters and also the smallest hamster in the world. Roborowski dwarf hamsters are extremely nocturnal and are also alert in the morning. Although it is considered shy, it is extremely peaceful, but is not suitable for beginners or children because it is too demanding to keep.
Hamsters are nocturnal rodents that come in many different breeds. Before you...
Hamster as a pet
A golden hamster in a cage makes children's hearts beat faster. The hamster as a pet is therefore very popular, especially among young families. The most popular hamsters have always been and still are golden hamsters and the much smaller dwarf hamsters, of which there are numerous breeding species. General care is not complicated for most species. As a rule, a suitable enclosure, balanced food and varied equipment for the cage are sufficient.
On average, a hamster doesn't live that long at 1.5 to 3 years. Basically, all hamsters have a fairly short lifespan. If you are one of those people who don't deal well with loss, you shouldn't necessarily get a hamster as a pet. The early death of their beloved hamster can be particularly stressful for children.
