How long does a hamster live? Hamsters are small and exquisite, lively and sensitive, and very cute; however, many people regret that they can only live to about 3 years old. Today we will discuss the lifespan of hamsters and hamster breeds.

1. How long do hamsters live?

Their lifespan is very short, about two years on average. A four-month-old hamster has reached adulthood. Of course, different breeds of hamsters will have slightly different life spans.

Male rats live longer than female rats, and female rats that have never given birth live longer than female rats that have given birth.

2. The hamster with the longest lifespan

Relatively speaking, Rob Roffs Basic hamsters have the longest life span, 3 to 3.5 years.

3. Factors affecting the life span of pet rats

1) Type. In-law hamsters are recognized as the longest-lived pet hamster species on average. (If it is not a pet hamster, the black-bellied hamster has the longest lifespan.)

2) Genetic diseases. Genetic diseases are like time bombs, you never know when they will explode, and they may be inherited for generations to come. So if you find that your rat has a hereditary disease, please do not let it breed. If it has already been bred, please pay more attention to whether the offspring has hereditary diseases and prevent it in advance.

3) Environment. A safe, comfortable, spacious and hygienic environment is very important to the health of hamsters and can also make them live happier.

4) Food. Food and water should be changed frequently to keep them fresh, especially fresh vegetables and fruits, and should not be left in the cage for more than 24 hours.

5) Living alone. Hamsters are solitary animals, so I recommend raising hamsters in one cage. Usually one of the hamsters in the same cage will be bullied. Living alone can make it no longer live a fearful life and live more comfortably.

6) Illness or injury. No matter what the cause of illness or injury, you must treat it in time. You should always have some common medicines at home. Don't wait to buy them when something happens. In many cases, it will be too late.

4. Tips: How to judge the age of a hamster

1) Domestic rats and mice , count the calendars

If the rat you buy is a domestic rat bred by a rat friend, directly ask the original owner when the rat was born. Then go home and count the calendar to know how old your rat is.

2) The Hua Niao Shu Shu is usually not a full moon

If your Hua Niao bought the Hua Niao, it is usually not a full moon, because the Hua Birds are purchased in batches. Yes, the longer the rat dealers keep them, the more money they will lose. Therefore, there is usually no full moon for rats and mice among flowers and birds.

Occasionally, you can still see one or two obviously larger rats. They are stockpiles and have reached adulthood, and some rat dealers will separate them into a very small cage because they fight so hard. Also because of long-term abuse, these rats are usually more aggressive.

3) The difference in appearance between young rats, adult rats, and old rats

Young rats (before weaning to 3 months old): smaller in size, and the hair on their bodies is lanugo (2 Before 1 month old), they feel thin and soft, the sexual characteristics of male rats are less obvious, and they are more active.

Adult rats (3 months old to 1.5 years old): larger than young rats, the hair on the body is thicker, the sexual characteristics of male rats are more obvious, except for the parents-in-law, other breeds are relatively Calm down.

Old rats (after 1.5 years old): larger than young rats, thinner (over 2 years old), hair color becomes dull, hair loss occurs, or even extensive hair loss, and they are inactive.