Introduction
Syrian hamsters could make high-quality companions. With their differing personalities and quirky ways, Syrian hamsters may be an outstanding desire of a puppy and are clean to take care of as soon as you realize their wishes.
Before selecting a domestic Syrian hamster, it’s vital to realize their wishes and the dedication they may be and to THINK TWICE – making sure that is a puppy to which you commit time, area and price range. In this Petopia article we cowl the fundamental welfare wishes of Syrian hamsters and feature a few key records that will help you get commenced withinside the international of hamster ownership.
How long do Syrian hamsters live?
The life expectancy of any hamster ranges between 1-3.5 years which particularly depends on their genes and breed. Another factor depends on their lifespan, where they reside, or their habitat. The wild Syrian hamster can live for an average of 2 to 3 years. And those living in captivity are known to live longer than wild ones. Their life expectancy ranges from three to four years.
Overview of Syrian Hamster
The gestation period for Syrian hamsters is 15 to 18 days and the female Syrian hamsters can give birth to a baby anywhere from 5 to 10 counts. A few Syrian hamsters are weak and dependent on their parents for care and food for about a week. After two weeks they formed into the young ones where they can see and walk perfectly.
These hamsters need full care and attention to make them live longer but still, their lifespan is lesser compared to cats and rabbits. Syrian hamsters are active pets. But these pets can have many health issues if not taken care of carefully.
The one living in an internal environment greatly depends on the care they are getting and on their health too. There are many other factors too which depend on their lifespan terms. Some of these factors which depend on their more day of lifespan are:
- Nutrition and diet
Syrian Hamster’s food resources are also a major factor in their life expectancy as if they eat a healthy diet they can live longer.
- Availability of food
These factors mainly depend on hamsters living in the wild as sometimes they have to face the problem of no food resources and lack of food can lead to the death of wild hamsters.
- Habitat
Hamsters have an active life which is good for their health but they also need to protect themselves from predators, especially those living in the wild.
- Prevention from predators
Their lifespan also depends on this factor as they safeguard themselves from the other predators in the wild. But the ones living in captivity are all protected by their safe shelter and caretakers.
- Care (for the captivity ones)
Hamsters need good care which automatically leads to a longer lifespan.
- Genetics
Breed and genetics also depend on their life expectancy rate and their size matters, the bigger ones tend to live longer than the shorter ones.
What are the health issues that can occur in Syrian Hamsters?
Syrian hamsters are sensitive to touch, therefore you need to be careful with them. Well, many issues can cause health issues in Syrian hamsters which might affect the life expectancy of hamsters:
- Teeth problems
hamsters are not properly cared for, they can develop dental issues. Or if they do not have access to chewing material. Hamsters have teeth that grow throughout their lives. They must grind them down by gnawing. If this does not occur, the teeth may get overly long, resulting in abscesses.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is another major health issue in hamsters. Diabetes develops when the body either does not create enough insulin or is unable to utilize it effectively. Excessive thirst and urination are common symptoms of diabetes in Syrian hamsters.
- Digestive issues
Among the causes of digestive disorders in hamsters include bacterial infections, stress, and nutritional concerns. Diarrhea is one of the most prevalent digestive system diseases in hamsters and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Diarrhea in hamsters is commonly referred to as a “wet tail.” Another typical digestive issue in hamsters is constipation.
Wild Syrian Hamsters
Hamsters living in the wild have a very challenging life as they have to face everyday struggles searching for food, and climate change and even have to protect themselves from outside predators. Syrian hamsters are so small they cannot safeguard themselves for a longer time. This leads to a shortened life expectancy of wild Syrian hamsters, just about 1-2.5 years.
You might also be interested to know How long does a hamster live?
Syrian hamsters in captivity
Hamsters living in captivity, safely in a shelter with a caretaker to look after them, live longer than wild hamsters, about 3-4 years. These hamsters are not scared of any predators or threats as they are guarded and protected by the people who own Syrian hamsters. They are available with food resources, proper bedding and shelter, and fresh water to drink.
Conclusion
There are still some cases found where the Syrian hamsters gas cast their range of lifespan and lived for 5-6 years in captivity. This is obvious as only Syrian hamsters living in an internal environment can live more days than those in the wild. So if you want to increase your hamster’s life expectancy then you need to take good care of them. You could focus on these things:
- Properly balanced diet
- Clean bedding and good quality cage
- Regular exercise
FAQs
Can Syrian hamsters swim?
Syrian hamsters have a characteristic like other hamsters and therefore they can swim without much problem but they don’t like to get wet and bathe in a water tub. Their skin is sensitive to water and that’s the reason they hate to get wet fur and body.
Why do Syrian hamsters have less life expectancy?
Hamsters reach their maturity level sooner than any other animal and this is why Syrian hamsters live for about two years and have less lifespan. Most people buy Syrian hamsters at the pet store when they are around 6 weeks old.
