2-3 Years
The average lifespan of dwarf hamsters (scientific name: Phodopus) is 2-3 years. The specific lifespan is affected by factors such as breed, gender, and breeding conditions. The following is a comprehensive analysis:
1. Basic Lifespan Range
The lifespan of most dwarf hamsters is around 2 years, and some individuals can live up to 3 years.
Very few long-lived cases can reach 3.5 years (such as Roborovski dwarf hamsters), but these are exceptional situations.
2. Key Factors Affecting Lifespan
Gender and Reproduction: Female hamsters that have not given birth usually live longer than male hamsters. Frequent reproduction will significantly shorten the lifespan of female hamsters.
Breed Differences: Dwarf hamsters such as Campbell's dwarf hamsters and Roborovski dwarf hamsters have similar lifespans, but Roborovski dwarf hamsters may live slightly longer.
Raising Conditions: Poor environments (such as dusty bedding materials and unclean drinking water) can trigger respiratory diseases and shorten the lifespan.
3. Suggestions for Extending Lifespan
Choice of Bedding Material: Use low-dust wood shavings or paper cotton to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Drinking Water Equipment: A ball-point drinking bottle is recommended to avoid getting the hamster's body wet or contaminating the water source.
Exercise Assurance: Provide a running wheel that is of appropriate size and safe to use to avoid exercise-related injuries.
Note: Syrian hamsters (such as golden hamsters) have a slightly longer lifespan (about 3 years), but their body size is quite different from that of dwarf hamsters, and their raising requirements are also different.