Determining a hamster’s age requires a comprehensive analysis of its physical characteristics, behavioral traits, and health status. The criteria for age assessment may vary slightly across different hamster species (e.g., Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters). Below are the specific methods:
I. Determination by Physical Characteristics
Body Size and Weight
Juveniles (0–1 month old): Small in size, weighing approximately 10–20 grams (Syrian hamsters) or 5–10 grams (dwarf hamsters). Their bodies are round but not fully developed.
Subadults (1–3 months old): Rapid growth phase, reaching 70%–90% of the adult weight. Syrian hamsters may weigh 50–80 grams, while dwarf hamsters weigh around 20–40 grams.
Adults (3+ months old): Stable body size. Syrian hamsters typically weigh 80–150 grams, and dwarf hamsters weigh 30–50 grams. Elderly hamsters may experience weight loss due to reduced activity.
Fur Condition
Juveniles: Soft and sparse fur with a lighter color (e.g., the dorsal stripes of three-line dwarf hamsters may be less distinct).
Adults: Thick, smooth fur with vibrant colors (e.g., the golden or variegated hues of Syrian hamsters are more prominent).
Elderly hamsters: Rough, dry fur; hair loss or white hairs may occur (especially on the face and back).
Eyes and Ears
Juveniles: Bright eyes that are not fully open (eyes open 10–14 days after birth); ears lie flat against the head.
Adults: Clear, alert eyes; ears stand upright and move flexibly.
Elderly hamsters: Eyes may appear cloudy (increased risk of cataracts); reduced ear mobility.
Teeth and Claws
Juveniles: Short, white teeth; small claws with a lighter color.
Adults: Yellowish teeth (from regular gnawing on chew stones) of moderate length (approximately 0.5–1 cm); thick claws with a darker color.
Elderly hamsters: Teeth may be over-worn or overgrown (require regular inspection and trimming); rough claws prone to breaking.
II. Determination by Behavioral Traits
Activity Level
Juveniles: Clumsy movements, often huddle in a ball; sensitive to sounds but slow to react.
Adults: Energetic and active, enjoy climbing and using exercise wheels; curious about new objects.
Elderly hamsters: Decreased activity, often lie still for long periods; slower wheel-running speed or abandonment of the wheel.
Eating Habits
Juveniles: Require frequent feeding (every 2–3 hours), highly dependent on mother’s milk; may be picky eaters after weaning.
Adults: Regular eating patterns, with a stable daily food intake (approximately 10–15 grams of staple food); tend to hoard food.
Elderly hamsters: Reduced appetite, may prefer soft foods (e.g., steamed vegetables, nutritional paste); slower chewing speed.
Social Behavior
Juveniles: High social tolerance (should be kept with littermates); prone to stress if housed alone.
Adults: Strong territorial instincts (especially males), may attack conspecifics; require individual housing.
Elderly hamsters: Reduced aggression, may rely more on human companionship.
III. Supplementary Determination by Health Status
Skin and Fur
Healthy adults: Smooth skin without dandruff; shiny fur.
Elderly hamsters: Loose skin; may develop tumors or cysts (especially in the breast area of females).
Excrement
Healthy hamsters: Black, oval-shaped feces that are dry and odorless; clear or pale yellow urine.
Elderly hamsters: May have cloudy urine or frequent urination due to declining kidney function.
Breathing and Body Temperature
Healthy hamsters: Steady breathing (40–60 breaths per minute); body temperature maintained at 37–39°C.
Elderly hamsters: May have rapid or weak breathing; lower body temperature (requires warmth retention).
IV. Species Differences and Precautions
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters)
Longer growth cycle, reaching sexual maturity at 3 months; lifespan of approximately 2–3 years.
In old age (1.5+ years), they tend to hunch their backs and move slowly.
Dwarf Hamsters (Three-Line, Campbell’s, etc.)
Rapid growth, reaching sexual maturity at 1.5 months; lifespan of approximately 1.5–2 years.
In old age (1+ year), they may shrink in size and develop grayish-white fur.
Precautions
Avoid misjudgment: Overweight hamsters may appear younger; assess weight alongside body size.
Regular documentation: Maintain a growth record (e.g., weight curve, behavior log) for comparative analysis.
Veterinary assistance: If age cannot be determined or abnormalities are observed (e.g., sudden weight loss, loss of mobility), consult a veterinarian promptly.