Re: How long do Hamsters live?

Hamsters usually have a life span of 18 to 24 months, but older individuals 
are reported frequently.

Some of the husbandry problems that may occure with hamsters are fighting, 
cannibalism of young, escape from cages, susceptibility to climatic 
changes, and food and water deprivation.

Examples of common health problems you might see in hamsters:

	Dermatitis
		Patches of hair loss.
		Hair coat appears greasy, unkept.
		Hamster's skin is irritated and the hamster scratches 
                often.
		May become a humane issue if it is severe.
       Bite wounds
                Areas of redness which can be found anywhere on the body 
                but are common near the base of the tail.
	        May be some bleeding involved.
      Malocclusion
		Teeth continuously grow in hamsters.
If they are not aligned properly and don't wear down normally, the teeth 
will grow too long, into the mouth (inside the mouth) or into the lips 
(outside the mouth).  The teeth should be trimmed with scissors or toe nail 
trimmers if this develops.
      Prolapsed rectum
		The rectum is protruding outside of the body.
		In some cases these hamsteres can live a normal life       
                with this condition.
      Tumors
                Aged hamsters (2 years) commonly develop tumors, which can 
                appear anywhere on the hamster.
      Vaginal discharge
		Hamster urine is light yellow,  opaque, and thick.
                A stringy vaginal exudate is normal on the day after       
                estrus.
      Dystosia
                Difficult birth.
      Pyometra
                Purulent material fills the Uterus. 
                May or may not exit the body through the vagina.
      Wet tail
		Synonym for a diarrheal complex.
		The rear end of the hamster appears wet from diarrhea      
                accumulating around the fur.
      Pup mortality
                When nursing mothers are upset, they will put the pups in  
               their cheek pouches to protect them.  If they are in there  
               too long they may suffocate and die.
      Hibernating
                A hamster may hibernate for 1 to 3 days in response to cool 
                temperatures (6 degrees Celsius) or shortened light cycles 
                (2 hours). 

References: Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents
            Training materials from Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, 
University of Michigan