How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live?
If you are considering buying a dwarf hamster, one of the many things you should know is that the lifespan of a dwarf hamster is dependent on a few factors, namely the species of dwarf hamster.
Just as with any other animal, dwarf hamsters have different species. There are four different species of dwarf hamster, each with a unique lifespan:
- Campbells - Up to two years if captive
- Winter White - Up to two years if captive
- Roborovski - Up to three and a half years if captive
- Chinese - Two to three years if captive
It is possible that, due to their dwarfism, all species of dwarf hamsters have a much shorter life cycle as compared to other hamsters.
Campbells
Perhaps one of the most popular species of dwarf hamsters is the Phodopus Campbelli or Campbells dwarf hamster. You might also hear this hamster referred to as a Djungarian or Siberian hamster as well, but for purposes of review, Campbells will be used in this article.
A Campbells dwarf hamster has origins in the often mysterious continent of Asia, with firm roots in China, Mongolia and Siberia to be exact. The Campbells dwarf hamster’s natural habitat is one of sagebrush steppe habitats that are most often seen in the western states of the United States. This habitat is ripe with native shrubs, grasses and other flowering plants. The sagebrush steppe’s flat terrain lends well to the Campbells dwarf hamster’s lifestyle.
These particular hamsters grow to no longer than three or four inches and weigh a maximum of one ounce. They also are considered adult dwarf hamsters at only two months after they are born. The Campbells dwarf hamsters tend to live no longer than two years in captivity yet in their natural habitat they tend to have a much longer life span.
Winter White
Also a popular dwarf hamster pet is the Phodopus Sungorus or the Winter White dwarf hamster. This animal is also known as a Siberian or Russian Hamster. With roots in the countries of Kazakhstan, Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia the Winter White hamster is also a creature with a natural habitat of the steppes or grasslands.
A little bit bigger than the Campbells dwarf hamster, the Winter White dwarf hamster can get as big as two ounces in weight and four inches in length. They adapt well to captivity yet with a lifespan of only two years, they thrive more in their natural habitat.
Roborovski
One of the more unpredictable species of dwarf hamster is the Roborovski species. Also known by the names Robo or Desert Hamster, this animal has roots in China, Mongolia, and Russia. Unlike the Winter White or Campbells hamster, the Roborovski hamster prefers a natural habitat in the rugged, and sandy terrains of the desert.
It is also the smallest of all of the dwarf hamsters, weighing in at only .5 -.75 ounces and a mere two inches long. For what it lacks in size, it makes up in life span. The Roborovski hamster can live as long as three and a half years in captivity, and of course longer in the wild. Known for its speed, it is not as predictable as the other hamsters regarding its behavior.
Chinese
The final category of dwarf hamster is the Phodopus Griseus or Chinese dwarf hamster. This animal is also referred to as the rat-like or striped hamster. With orgins based solely in China, this animal thrives in a steppes or desert environment.
While this hamster only gets to be as big as 1.5 ounces it is rather long for a dwarf hamster and can grow to a maximum of five inches. The Chinese hamster has a life span of two to three years in captivity and longer in the wild. The Chinese dwarf hamster thrives better in the wild than in captivity and can be considered aggressive.