The reasons hamsters are prone to death involve multiple factors such as living environment, diet management, and health care. Below is a comprehensive summary of key causes and preventive suggestions:
I. Analysis of Common Causes of Death
1. Inappropriate Living Environment
Too Small a Cage: Hamsters need sufficient space for activity (e.g., dwarf hamsters require a cage of at least 47cm, while Syrian hamsters need one over 60cm). A cramped space can easily cause stress or depression.
Unsuitable Temperature: Ambient temperatures below 15°C or above 30°C can lead to pseudo-hibernation, heatstroke, or colds.
Hygiene Issues: Excessive dust in bedding or infrequent cleaning may trigger respiratory infections or skin diseases.
2. Dietary Mistakes
Feeding Human Food: High-salt, high-sugar, or additive-containing foods (such as chocolate, onions) can cause poisoning or diarrhea.
Unclean Drinking Water: Untreated tap water or contaminated water sources easily lead to bacterial infections.
Monotonous Diet: Feeding only sunflower seeds or mealworms can result in malnutrition or internal heat (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to discomfort from excess "heat" in the body, often linked to dry, high-fat diets).
3. Neglect in Health Management
Stress Reactions: Frequent disturbance, forced interaction, or sudden environmental changes may cause cardiac arrest.
Misdiagnosed Illnesses: Diseases like wet tail (a severe intestinal infection) or pneumonia can quickly lead to death if not treated promptly.
Bathing with Water: Hamsters bathed in water are prone to catching colds or choking; specialized bath sand should be used instead.
4. Problems with Purchase Channels
"Week-Long Hamsters": Hamsters bought from unregulated channels may carry congenital diseases or genetic defects from inbreeding (these hamsters often die within a week of purchase, hence the name).
II. Preventive Measures
Environment Control: Maintain a temperature of 20-28°C, and provide a hiding hut and a running wheel (with a diameter of at least 17cm).
Scientific Feeding: Use professional hamster food as the main diet, supplement with small amounts of fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat snacks.
Reduce Stress: Let newly arrived hamsters settle in quietly for 3 days, and use gentle movements when interacting with them.
Regular Checks: Monitor the condition of the hamster’s feces and fur, and seek veterinary care promptly if abnormalities are found.
III. Special Reminders
Solitary Housing: Hamsters have strong territorial instincts; housing multiple hamsters together often leads to fatal fights.
Avoid Breeding: Female hamsters’ lifespans are significantly shortened by reproduction.
With scientific rearing and careful observation, the mortality rate of hamsters can be effectively reduced.