How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 To 3 Years

The lifespan of dwarf hamsters is known to be about a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years. However, there are multiple factors that determine the time for how long a dwarf hamster will live. Among these many factors, the major factor that plays a vital role in determining the lifespan of a dwarf hamster is the species of that dwarf hamster. Dwarf hamsters are found in many different varieties.

How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live?

Winter white dwarf hamster is also known by many other names, such as:

1. The Russian dwarf hamster
2. Striped dwarf hamster
3. Djungarian hamster
4. Siberian hamster
5. Siberian dwarf hamster

Winter white dwarf hamsters also have furry feet. These dwarf hamsters are found in regions of Mongolia, Manchuria, Siberia, and Kazakhstan. On average, the lifespan of these dwarf hamsters is a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 2 years.

Roborovski dwarf hamsters have an average lifespan of 2 years to 3 years. The other names of the Bobrovsky dwarf hamster are the desert hamster and Robo dwarf hamster as well. These dwarf hamsters are majorly found in regions of deserts of central Asia.

Golden dwarf hamster or also known as Syrian dwarf hamster is found in regions of Northern Syria and Southern turkey. Due to loss of habitat and other struggles to survive, the population of golden dwarf hamsters is decreasing and they are now considered a vulnerable species. The golden dwarf hamster has a lifespan ranging from 2 to 3 years.

The Campbell dwarf hamsters are found majorly in the following regions:

• semi-deserts of central Asia
• The Altai mountains
• Areas of Tuva
• The regions of Hebei province in northeastern China

The average lifespan of these dwarf hamsters is about 3 to 4 years.

The specific characteristics of these Chinese dwarf hamsters are their long tail. The male dwarf hamsters are majorly used for breeding whereas the female dwarf hamsters are kept as pets. The lifespan of the Chinese dwarf hamsters is a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 3 years on average.

Why Do Dwarf Hamsters Live That Long?

Generally, dwarf hamsters living in captivity, tend to live longer than dwarf hamsters living in the wild. When said about keeping a dwarf hamster in captivity, that means the dwarf hamster is kept as a pet. Keeping a dwarf hamster in captivity signifies that the dwarf hamster has an owner whose responsibility is to take care of it. The dwarf hamster who lives under captivation can live for as long as a span of 4 to 5 years. 

The reason behind this is major because these dwarf hamsters have no stress to survive, they don’t have to struggle for food or fight predators. Such dwarf hamsters are provided food and a good environment, they are far away from predators and thus, they have a bigger lifespan of 4 to 5 years.

All the conditions suitable to live for a dwarf hamster are readily provided to the hamster living in captivity. With advancements in veterinary medicine and veterinary science, scientists have found suitable conditions for dwarf hamsters to survive for a longer duration of time.

The dwarf hamsters living in the wild struggle to live longer because of shortage of food, unsuitable external conditions, fear of hunters, and all other such problems as well. They might not be able to sustain a perfect living in the absence of necessities.

Conclusion

With developed and improved knowledge about appropriate care for dwarf hamsters, good feeding habits, and all other survival situations, the average lifespan of the dwarf hamster can be increased from 1 year to about 3 years. When taken proper care of, provided safe and suitable shelter, a healthy diet, and an attentive owner, a dwarf hamster can easily live up to 4 to 5 years.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0003347295800123
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0310.2012.02038.x