How long do hamsters live ?

[Artymum1]

I have a hamster that is about 4 years old , she is starting to go a bit bald around the rear and has slowed down drastically in the last couple of weeks , She doesn't seem to be in any pain and is her usual gentle self , but now when she wakes up she makes funny squeaking noises , is she nearing the end of her time ?

[leelapops]

Hi Artymum. Wow, 4 is a good age for a hamster! They tend to live on average for a couple of years (Although I didn't do so well!) so it sounds like she's lived a long and happy life.
What you have described sounds much like how Squishy behaved before she died, so perhaps she is nearing the end of her time.
Give her a slice of cucumber from me!

Lisa x

[bensmum]

That's a very good age for a hamster - you must have cared for her very well. As leela says they generally live for 2 or 3 years so you have had lots of extra time with her. It's not a nice thing to think about but when she does go I hope it's a nice peaceful end for her, bless her.

[Rock.Chick]

i would say now is her time to go to the big hamster wheel in the sky. just make her last few weeks the best, most comforting weeks a hamster can get and count your lucky stars she lived so long!

My family have been through about 6 hamsters and i dont think many of them lived to be 2....

[Artymum1]

Thank you for all your answers , you have confirmed what I already thought , Grapes are her favorite so it's grapes all the way from now on , I just hope she goes peacefully ,
Julie .

[Artymum1]

Hi , the sad day arrived , the poor hamster became ill and we've had her put to sleep today , we'll all miss her but now realise just how long we had , thanks for all your answers .