I. Survival Time Limits
Basic Data
Healthy Adult Hamsters: Typically survive 3-5 days without food.
Juvenile Hamsters (< 3 months old): Only tolerate 8-12 hours without food.
Breed Differences:
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters): 4-5 days
Dwarf Hamsters (e.g., Roborovski Hamsters): No more than 72 hours
Key Influencing Factors
Water Intake: Survival time shortens to 1-2 days when deprived of water.
Ambient Temperature: Metabolism accelerates above 25°C, reducing hunger tolerance by 30%.
Health Status: Sick hamsters have 30%-50% lower tolerance for food deprivation.
II. Danger Signs
Physiological Indicators
24 hours without food: Noticeable decrease in activity levels.
48 hours without food: Risk of liver and kidney damage emerges.
Behavioral Signs
Curling into a tight ball
Frequent cage chewing
Reduced excretion
III. Emergency Treatment
Forced Feeding
5% glucose solution (0.5ml per dose, every 4 hours)
Paste-like hamster food (hamster food powder mixed with warm water at a 1:3 ratio)
Indications for Veterinary Care
Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
Signs of dehydration (skin tenting lasts > 2 seconds)