My hamster just died 19 months :(

[Kate123cl]

I'm absolutely devastated. I've had loads of Syrian hamsters and they all seemed to pass away around the 2 year mark. This was my last hamster and he died today, he was just over a year and a half. I feel like I've done something wrong for him to die at this time in his life has anyone else's died at a similar age? I just feel so guilty! I probably didn't do enough to keep him cool in this hot weather either God, I feel awful 💔

So sorry for your loss.

Hamsters are like any creature, life expectancy is an average, the chances are you did nothing wrong if you have kept hamsters before with no problems, it is just one of those things.

Our miniature hamster just died today (21 months). Pretty average for a miniature I think, but still v sad. Feel ridiculous saying anything to anyone in RL, but wanted to say I feel your loss. Ours was a cute little fella with quite a personality.

Our hamsters have lived 2 years, 2 years, 2 years 9 months & 22 months. I don't think 18 months is so unusual. Are you sure he was as young as you thought when you got him? They worm their little furry way into your heart, don't they? I always say I'm not going to get another because they don't live long....

It's horrible

I've had lots of over the years and some last a year and a half and others much longer, it usually depends how they have been bred in the pet store which is out of your control

I learnt this when my last hamster passed after only 12 months earlier this year and our friend who actually worked at the pet shop (so would have had lots of experience with hamsters) lost her Syrian at only 6 months and we both bought them from the same shop and it turned out to be how these poor little creatures had been bred.

So sad