How Old Are Hamsters at Petco?

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Hamsters are an excellent choice if you want an adorable, low-maintenance, and entertaining pet. These little rodents are now widely available at pet stores like Petco. 

Hamsters at Petco are from four to ten weeks old. To determine their age, observe their appearance and behavior. Knowing how old your hamsters helps you understand their habits and provide for their needs.

In this article, I will explain the typical age of hamsters sold at Petco and how to precisely determine your hamster’s age. Continue reading to be a better hamster parent!

The Average Age of the Hamsters Sold at Petco

Hamsters were previously wild animals that became popular in the 1930s as pets and laboratory animals. They originated from Syria, thus their other name: Syrian hamsters. 

Scientists grew these hamsters in a laboratory and utilized them for scientific purposes. Humans can now have them as their pets!

Getting yourself a hamster is as simple as falling off a log. You can purchase hamsters quickly from pet shops like Petco. Once you have them as pets, you must know their age to understand their behaviors and needs.

The average age of the hamsters sold at Petco is about four to ten weeks old. Hamsters are weaned by this point, which means they can eat food other than their mother’s milk and grow independently from them.

Pet sitters remove the hamsters after the fourth week because hamsters are solitary and territorial animals who prefer to be alone. Two hamsters cannot coexist in the same container unless they are in their heat cycle, which indicates they are ready for mating. Otherwise, anticipate them to quarrel or consume other rodents if they become stressed or run out of food.

Because of this, you can only see one hamster per cage at pet stores. But don’t be concerned—while they are reclusive animals, they still like mingling and playing with their owner.

How To Know the Age of Your Hamster

A hamster’s average life span lasts only two to four years, so they grow pretty fast. Knowing your hamster’s age helps take care of them properly and get the most out of their years with you.

You can observe their physical appearance and ongoing habits to determine their age. This section lists the different stages in a hamster’s life and some pet care tips for certain life stages.

Early Stage

Newborn hamsters are called “pups.” Pups are born deaf, blind, toothless, and furless. They are so tiny that they only weigh two to three grams.

During its first week, their eyes and ears remain closed, and they depend on their mother for food and body temperature. As their first week ends, the hamster’s ears and eyes start to open. These young hamsters also begin to grow their teeth.

At two weeks, the hamster has a thin coat of fur covering its body. They will be able to open their eyes and move around by the end of this week.

By the third week, hamsters can already drink water from a bottle. They can now regulate their body temperature with thicker fur coats resembling their parents.

In the fourth week, hamsters are separated from their mother to avoid fighting with other hamsters. If you find a single hamster in a cage at Petco, you can presume it is at least four weeks old. 

Adolescence and Prime

Between three and eight months, a hamster reaches its full maturity. A fully grown dwarf hamster weighs 40 to 60 grams on average, while Syrian hamsters weigh 120 to 125 grams. 

Hamsters during this time are at their most active and liveliest state. If you got your hamster during this phase, play with it to establish your bond with it! 

Middle and Old Age

Upon reaching a year old, hamsters lose weight and become less active. Their fur thins to baldness, and they become sterile. Their teeth also continue to grow, making it harder for them to eat. 

Hamsters are considered elderly when they reach the age of a year and a half. Watch out for any signs of blindness, respiratory problems, and arthritis, as they become more susceptible to several health problems as they age. Their lives can last up to four years.

Quick Pet Care Tips Based on Your Hamster’s Age

Hamsters of various ages require different pet care. Here are some quick tips to remember after purchasing them from Petco:

  1. Provide a large aquarium with plenty of space. A spacious cage is a must for adolescent hamsters for them to go around. I recommend large cages like Savic Habitat Metro Cage from Amazon.com so that your pet may enjoy excavating tunnels, hiding, and building a nest!
  2. Mate a female hamster only in its tenth week. Hamsters generally reach sexual maturity between the ages of four and six weeks. However, experts advise mating female hamsters only in their tenth week to avoid complications like stillbirth and infant cannibalism. Males, on the other hand, can mate by 14 weeks.
  3. Get your hamster toys. Toys for your little rodents, like the Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheels from Amazon.com, encourage them to exercise daily and maintain an active lifestyle. Remember, a physically active life means a happy hamster!
  4. Feed your hamster softer food once they grow older. During their later years, hamsters’ teeth grow longer, making it harder for them to eat.
  5. Seek veterinary care during the hamsters’ later years. Your little rodents become vulnerable to health issues due to old age. It is best to seek a veterinarian to prolong their lives.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your hamster’s age as soon as you get it from a pet store is the first step toward being a good fur parent. These little rodents proliferate and require specialized pet care based on their age.

Because hamsters are solitary and territorial animals, they are already in their own cage when Petco offers them at four to ten weeks old. During this stage, expect them to be energetic and playful.

Most importantly, it is an excellent opportunity to connect with them. Hamsters grow quickly and live short lives, so take advantage of having them during their prime!

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