Life Cycle of Dwarf Hamsters

Four species of dwarf hamsters are available as pets--the Russian (also known as Campbell's), the Chinese, the Siberian (also known as winter white) and the Roborovski. Pet dwarf hamsters are not only smaller than the usual Syrian or golden hamsters, but their lives are also shorter. Consider that before taking them on as pets.

  1. Time Frame

    • Dwarf hamsters live on average between one and two years, although Roborovskis have been known to live as long as three and a half years in captivity.

    Birth

    • After a gestation period of 18 to 30 days, dwarf hamsters are born hairless, blind and deaf. The litter size averages six, but can be as large as 10.

    Growth

    • Dwarf hamster babies or pups begin to be weaned by the female when they are only none to 10 days old. They are fully weaned at 21 days.

    Maturity

    • Most dwarf hamsters live in small colonies and are sexually mature at six weeks. Chinese dwarf hamsters live on their own and are sexually mature at eight weeks.

    Problems

    • Factors that can greatly reduce a pet or wild dwarf hamster's lifespan include injury, disease, lack of food, eating foods too rich in calories and overcrowding with other dwarf hamsters.