Understanding hamster development helps provide optimal care as they mature. Here are key phases:
- Newborn Pups – Baby hamsters are called pups. They are born deaf, blind and hairless after a 16-day gestation.
- 2 Weeks – At 2 weeks old, pups develop fur and open their eyes and ears. They begin exploring outside the nest.
- 3 Weeks – By 3 weeks, pups are walking, playing, foraging some solid food and can be handled minimally.
- 4 Weeks – At 4 weeks, pups are weaned from nursing and should be separated by gender to avoid breeding.
- 6 Weeks – By 6 weeks, young adolescent hamsters reach sexual maturity. Their adult coat is fully grown in.
- 3 Months – At 3 months old, hamsters are considered juveniles. Their growth plates close around now and adulthood officially begins.
- 1 Year – Smaller dwarf hamsters reach middle age by 9-12 months old. Syrians reach it closer to 15 months old.
- Lifespan – On average, smaller hamsters live 2-3 years as pets. Larger Syrians live around 2-2.5 years. With exceptional care, some hamsters reach 4-5 years.
Knowing what life stage your hamster is in allows you to provide optimal care as they grow and mature.
