Size and Growth Chart: How Big Do Hamsters Get?

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Factors Affecting Hamster Size and Growth
• The Different Breeds of Hamsters and Their Sizes
• Hamster Growth Chart
• How to Determine if Your Hamster Is Growing Properly
• The Impact of Size on Hamster Care
• Learn More About Hamster Care With Quality Cage
• FAQs

There's no doubt that hamsters are cute pets. These furry companions are affectionate, intelligent, and fun. But how big do hamsters get? Not all breeds are the same size. For example, the Syrian hamster can grow to seven inches, while the Dwarf White Russian hamster averages about three inches. Other hamster breeds, like the Roborovski hamster, are even smaller. While this size difference might seem unimportant, it plays a vital role in cage choice, diet, and general hamster care.

Here, we'll review how big hamsters get and look at how breed sizes and lifestyle factors play a role.

Factors Affecting Hamster Size and Growth

When looking at hamster size, the first consideration is always genetics. Some breeds have the potential to grow larger than others. However, lifestyle and diet can also affect individual hamsters within the same breed. Let's take a closer look at some of these determining factors.

Breed

As mentioned above, genetic makeup is the first thing to consider when looking at different hamster breeds. For the most part, they range anywhere from two to even seven inches. Here are some examples:

Of course, these numbers differ depending on other factors, and some might even be outliers. For example, even if Syrian hamsters (AKA golden hamsters) are a larger size breed, they might reach less than 7 inches.

Still, if your hamster is bigger or smaller than the abovementioned weights, it may be consuming too much or too little food. Some other less common hamsters include the Tibetan hamster, Armenian hamster, Turkish hamster, Azerbaijani hamster, and other dwarf hamster breeds.

Gender

The second size difference consideration is gender. The male is usually slightly larger and heavier than the female. For example, male Syrian hamsters will often reach 7 inches and 7 ounces, while females will be on the smaller side of this range at 5 inches and 5 ounces.

Litter Size

The number of hamsters in a litter can also influence hamster size. However, this differs across breeds. For example, some Syrian hamsters tend to have litters of six to twelve pups, while others have had up to 20.

Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, have smaller litters of four to eight pups on average. So how does litter size influence how big hamsters get?

If a female has more pups than the average, they'll have to compete for resources like food and nursing. This can lead to some pups being left out and less for each pup, depending on access to food. The result might be stunted growth or a smaller size overall.

Diet and Nutrition

When getting a pet hamster, its size is largely out of your control due to specific genetics. However, you can ensure they get all the nutrients they need through their diet. Doing so will make your hamster happy and healthy and support optimal growth. Feed them too much, and they might grow overweight. If they lack nutrients, however, it can easily stunt growth.

The key is a balanced diet. They benefit from variety, so you should feed them store-bought hamster food, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and a protein source. This ensures they have all the macronutrients they need alongside vitamins. Avoid toxic foods like citrus, chocolate, sugary, salty, or spicy snacks. Also, make sure they always have access to clean water.

Genetics

While the hamster breed can provide some general guidelines for expected sizes, individual genetics can also play a vital role in the size of a hamster. Two male Syrian hamsters might vary in weight even with the same diet. Typically, this is due to differences in bone size and muscle mass.

We can also observe the different growth and evolvement patterns across breeds. For example, Syrian hamsters gradually develop before reaching their final size. In contrast, the Roborovski hamsters enter their mature size earlier.

Environment

Next to diet, a hamster's environment plays a crucial role in determining its size. Healthy exercise in a large cage with the correct levels and toys will facilitate better growth for your hamster. Ensure they have enough water and a nice place to sleep.

Other considerations may include temperature. For well-being, health, and growth, hamsters should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. Regular room temperature should be adequate. Otherwise, they may become stressed, which can negatively impact growth patterns.

The Different Breeds of Hamsters and Their Sizes

If you're set on getting a pet hamster, you'll want to consider the specific sizes of different breeds and how they look. While some might prefer a larger option, others will be comfortable with smaller breeds. However, there are some general sizes to expect for a full-grown hamster.

Syrian Hamsters

The first thing you'll notice about Syrian hamsters is that they're much larger than other breeds. Males can reach 7 ounces while being 7 inches long. Females tend to be a bit smaller at 5 ounces and 5 inches.

Nicknamed "the Golden hamster," Syrian hamsters are a pet favorite and have various coat colors.

Dwarf Campbell, Russian Hamsters

Small and affectionate, the Dwarf Campbell Russian hamster reaches a size of 3 inches. They're highly social, and their coats range in colors from lighter to darker hues. Females are slightly smaller than males. In terms of weight, they're usually 0.7 ounces to 1 ounce.

Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters

A charming appearance, gentle nature, and overall small size are what characterize Dwarf Winter White Russian hamsters. They're mostly adapted to cold climates and come from Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Typically, males are 3 to 4 inches long and weigh between 20 and 27 grams. Females are slightly bigger and heavier and can reach 4.3 inches and 30 grams.

Roborovski Hamsters

This is the smallest hamster breed. They're characterized by their miniature, stocky build and large eyes. Males and females are approximately the same size, weighing about 0.5 inches and reaching a length of 2 inches. They're generally energetic and entertaining to watch. However, their small size may make them hard to handle.

Chinese Hamsters

Chinese hamsters are one of the only breeds with a noticeable tail. They generally range in medium sizes, with males about 5 inches long and 1.5 ounces in weight. Females are slightly smaller at 3 inches long and 1 ounce. Typically, Chinese hamsters are kept less as pets, but can still make agreeable and fun pets when cared for properly.

Hamster Growth Chart

To answer the question, of how big hamsters get, it might be useful to follow a growth chart.

Notice how different hamsters have different rates of growth depending on their overall size. For example, many Roborovski hamsters reach full size at just eight weeks while other hamsters just keep growing.

How to Determine if Your Hamster Is Growing Properly

When you get a pet hamster, you'll want to monitor its progress. This ensures that they're healthy and developing correctly. Typically, you should look for energetic behavior, consistent weight gain, and normal eating and drinking. If you notice excessive lethargy, stunted growth, and loss of appetite, it may be time to take your hamster to a vet.

It's also beneficial to measure the length and size of your hamster every month or so with a scale and a ruler. Mark the sizes and lengths down as your hamster gets older so you can ensure that they reach the right size.

The Impact of Size on Hamster Care

The size of a hamster can also influence the environment it needs for proper growth. For example, Syrian hamsters are larger, so they eat more and need a larger cage and a larger wheel for exercise. On the other hand, dwarf hamsters will make do with a slightly less spacious habitat, and their toys should be smaller too.

Learn More About Hamster Care With Quality Cage

So how big can a hamster get? The measurements can differ according to breed, genetics, environment, and diet. Syrian hamsters are the largest species, reaching 7 inches in length, while the Roborovski hamster only reaches 2 inches. Other breeds like the Chinese hamster are more of a medium size.

If you want the best hamster supplies, then go to QualityCage.com. You can find the ideal cage, food, water bottles, nesting material, and toys for your hamster without issue. With the right supplies from Quality Cage, you can ensure your furry friend is happy, healthy, and grows to its ideal size.

You can also choose from exotic pet supplies to care for less traditional pet options.

FAQs

How big will my Syrian hamster get?

Male Syrian Hamsters tend to reach sizes of 7 inches and 7 ounces, while females are around 5 inches and 5 ounces.

Do dwarf hamsters get bigger?

Dwarf hamsters usually reach 2 to 3 inches, depending on the specific breed. This is as big as they get due to their specific genetics.

Do hamsters like to be held?

This depends on the species of hamster. Some like to be held, while others, like the Syrian Hamster, are known to love solitude.

Do hamster bites hurt?

Generally, hamsters won't bite unless they're scared. While bites don't do much damage, they can still hurt.

Questions?

Have Questions About Hamster Sizes and Care?

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