Hamsters are cute and very unpretentious pets from the rodent squad. The life span of a hamster largely depends on its breed and heredity, but they rarely live longer than 2 years. Thus, when purchasing a hamster for yourself or your child, you need to choose a young animal no more than a couple of weeks old. But how do you determine the age of a hamster? Experienced hamsters identify several effective methods.
Instructions
Step 1
It is almost impossible to accurately determine the age of a hamster. Even experts often determine the age of hamsters "by eye". Young hamsters tend to be more active than older hamsters. They constantly move around the cage, play or chew food. Elderly individuals seek solitude, they sleep a lot and do not at all strive for active games.
Step 2
Also, the age of a hamster can be determined by its fur. The first visible color in hamsters begins to appear five days after birth. Two weeks after birth, the hamsters are already distinguished by their bright color and thick wool, their skin is smooth and without bald patches. Four weeks after birth, hamsters enter the stage of sexual activity. In females, genital fluid with a specific smell begins to be released from the genitals, testes begin to grow in males.
Step 3
In addition, babies from adult hamsters can be identified by their size and weight. If in a flattened form the hamster takes 8-9 centimeters, then he is already more than three months old. Hamsters older than three to four months usually weigh over 40 grams, so when buying a hamster, you can weigh it.
Step 4
By purchasing a hamster a couple of weeks old, you can be sure that he will live in your family for a long time. Of course, the lifespan of your pet will directly depend on your care and nutrition. The hamster's diet should be correct and balanced, especially in the first months and in old age.
