Aging Dwarf

RolyRocks · 07-21-2021, 08:11 AM

Hello

My dwarf Loki is 17 months old and it's not something I want to think of, but what is the life expectancy for these little creatures? I lost my Syrian at only 16 months old (unknown cause) and my little Loki has just come off a months course of antibiotics again for discoloured urine. Thankfully touch wood everything seems to have settled down.
I remember reading something about less protein for older hamsters, do people change their diets or just give high protein treats less often. Loki loves his mealworms and green veg, should I start to lesson these and if so, how much is suitable?

Thanks guys.

Ria P · 07-21-2021, 08:41 AM

It's impossible to say.

My Syrian died at 22 mths, diabetic dwarf at 13 mths, Robo at 2 yrs, dwarf at 18 mths and now three of my dwarfs have health issues.
Maybe i'm just very unlucky because i try my best to care for them, take them to the vet etc.
Their short life span is the one and only drawback of keeping hamsters.

I find that dwarf hybrids have more health issues than Syrians and Robos which could come down to poor breeding and genetics.

Yes, i've read that as well that aging hamsters should have less protein and maybe Henry would have lived a couple of months longer if he wouldn't have loved egg so much. Who knows. Dwarf hamster food usually has mealworms in it. I would pick them out and offer as a treat, maybe a couple per day. I wouldn't cut back on green veg because they are good for them.
I'm not the best person to advise though, so hopefully someone more clued up will respond.

My dwarf Ozzy is the same age as your Loki and also has health issues. He's tame but not keen on human company. He was on my lap earlier and i stroked him wondering the same as you. How long are you going to be around, little friend. I have no idea.

Enjoy every day you have with Loki and don't worry too about the future because it is out of our control.

sushi_78 · 07-21-2021, 09:05 AM

I think they say 18 months to 2 years but Russian dwarfs do seem to be at the lower end of that unfortunately. Bramble is 16 or 17 months old and has several health issues now.

A lower protein diet can help when they already have kidney issues because excess protein has to be excreted by the kidneys. They obviously need a minimum amount of protein but one mealworm a day in addition to a good hamster is plenty for an adult hamster. There's no reason to cut back on vegetables though.

RolyRocks · 07-27-2021, 06:20 AM

Thank you both for your replies.

I understand because they are such small little animals, but it is so sad we don't get to have them for very long. It is also really sad to hear how many dwarfs have health issues.. poor little things.

I just love my little man so much, they may be tiny, but they sure are amazing little creatures!