Hamsters make adorable pets due to their small size
Because they look chubby and eat a lot, some pet owners might think hamsters weigh more than they actually do
But how much do hamsters actually weigh?
We’ve researched the average weights of the five most common breeds sold in pet shops
How much your pet hamster should weigh depends on the hamster’s breed and hamster’s age
It’s important to know how much your pet hamster weighs so that you can tell if they are overweight or too skinny because both of those can cause health problems for your hamster
Keep reading to find out how much each of the five most common breeds of hamsters usually weighs
We’ll also provide some crucial tips, so you can be aware of how to help your hamster balance her weight with diet and observe any potential health concerns
This breed of hamster is the smallest breed with an average weight between 075-ounces and 15-ounces for adults, although 15-ounces could be considered overweight
Not only are these hamsters the smallest, but they are also the fastest
This means that Roborovski hamsters use more energy than larger hamsters, potentially causing them to weigh less because of their higher metabolism
They usually weigh between 15- and 175-ounces as adults and can grow up to 5-inches in length
They have longer tails than other species of hamster, which contributes to some of their weight
Dwarf hamsters
While both species look chubby, they both weigh about 1-ounce as adults
Winter white dwarf hamsters can grow to 2-ounces because they are accustomed to eating more during the winter months to keep warm in the cold temperatures where they are from
As adults, their average weight is around 45-ounces, but because they can reach 6- to 7-inches in length and weigh about 1-ounce for every inch, they can weigh up to 7-ounces
Hamsters can be difficult to weigh because of their size
Scales that weigh objects in pounds usually won’t register a hamster’s weight because they typically weigh less than a pound
If you’re concerned about your hamster trying to run away when you place him on a scale, it might be easier for you to place him in a small pet carrier before weighing
Weigh the empty carrier first, then place the hamster inside and weigh the carrier again
Please watch this video for more tips on weighing your hamster
How do I know if my hamster is overweight?
Hamsters are known for their chubby appearance
But it’s important to make sure that your hamster isn’t actually overweight because this could cause him to have health problems
To find out if your hamster is overweight, you will need to know your hamster’s breed and how old he is
Research how much your breed of hamster should weigh for his age, then weigh your hamster using one of the methods above and compare the two weights
How do I get my hamster to lose weight?
There are many reasons why a pet hamster could be overweight
Hamster owners need to make sure that hamsters exercise and eat foods that are good for them
If your hamster is overweight, here are the actions you can take
Choose quality hamster food
There are different kinds of hamster food, and some are better than others
Choose high-quality food and avoid feeding your hamster too much junk food
Foods that are considered junk food for hamsters are seeds, treats, or sugary foods such as fruit
It is okay for hamsters to have these foods occasionally, but giving them to your hamster every day could be why he is overweight
Hamsters need a little resh food every day, such as grass or carrots
Hamsters can also have small pieces of dog treats now and then
Dog treats provide protein for the hamster
Because they are so small, hamsters eat a lot to create plenty of energy
Sometimes overeating is the reason your hamster is overweight
Usually, a tablespoon of food per day is plenty for a hamster, in addition to a little bit of fresh food
Make sure your hamster is getting plenty of exercise
Not only can hamsters who don’t get enough exercise be overweight, but they can also become depressed
A hamster should have an exercise wheel to run on in its cage to get plenty of exercise
You can also take your hamster out of the cage once a day and put it in an exercise ball to run around for about 20-minutes
A bigger hamster cage can also give your hamster more exercise
Hamsters are very active and need room to run to burn off calories from their food
Consider adding tubes and hamster playgrounds to give your hamster a fun place to exercise and play
Hamsters should only be fed once or twice a day
If you feed the hamster once a day, put about 1-tablespoon of food in the bowl in the morning
Can hamsters die of obesity?
Obesity can cause a lot of health problems for hamsters
Obesity illnesses for hamsters are similar to illnesses caused by obesity in humans
While obesity does not directly cause death in hamsters, it can cause other diseases such as diabetes and heart problems that can eventually lead to death
Why do hamsters get skinny?
There are several reasons why your hamster could be losing weight
It could be due to an illness, not eating or drinking enough, getting too much exercise, or other physical problems
Let’s look at the possible reasons as to why your hamster is getting skinnier and figure out how we can fix them
Abscesses in hamsters usually form in the cheeks
Hard or sharp foods can cut or scratch the inside of a hamster’s cheek
Abscesses can make it painful for a hamster to eat, causing him to eat less and resulting in weight loss
Similar to abscesses, tooth problems can cause pain for hamsters when they eat
Hamsters are rodents, so their teeth can become overgrown if they don’t have things to gnaw on to grind them down
Broken or missing teeth can also cause pain for hamsters
Hamsters begin losing teeth as they get older, but if teeth are broken and become infected, it could be why your hamster is losing weight
Vitamin deficiencies can cause weight loss in hamsters
If hamsters have a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin B, or folic acid, it can cause hair loss, weakness, and fatigue
To fix this, make sure you feed your hamster high-quality foods with plenty of nutrients or fresh vegetables high in vitamins such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach
Usually, with old age, a hamster’s weight loss is gradual and happens over a long time period
As hamsters age, their metabolisms slow down, causing them to eat less frequently
If they maintain the same exercise habits, they could be losing weight faster than they can replace it by eating
If they’re still eating regularly, they may be just consuming less food each time they eat, which could be another reason why your older hamster is losing weight
Keep your hamster happy and healthy
Helping your hamster maintain his ideal weight is important for making sure he is happy and healthy
Remember to feed him good foods, give him plenty of exercise, and lots of fun things to play on and gnaw on to help him maintain a healthy weight
And as always, consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your hamster’s weight or health
Hamsters are adorable little creatures who keep you entertained because of their playful nature and cute gestures
So, if you are thinking of petting one of these, then one question might cross your mind, how much does a hamster weigh?
In general, the weight of hamsters varies between 05 ounces to 105 ounces
However, the hamster’s weight depends on factors like their breed, age, and even the environment they are raised in
One thing about hamsters is certain that their size remains small throughout their life
But, even though they are small, you can come across a variety of different sizes of hamsters
Keep reading this article to get a detailed understanding of the weights of some of the most common breeds of hamsters
In addition to this, we’ll also share with you the right way to weigh a hamster, along with some vital tips to balance your hamster’s weight for keeping it fit and healthy
ContentsHow Much Does Different Breeds Of Hamster Weighs?Roborovski HamstersChinese HamstersDwarf HamstersSyrian HamstersHow Can You Weight Your Hamster?How To Check Whether Your Hamster Is Overweight?How Can You Make Your Hamster From Fat To Fit?Feed Quality Hamster FoodLimit Your Hamster’s Daily ConsumptionMake Sure That Your Hamster Exercise WellCan Obesity Become A Reason For Death in Hamsters?What To Do If The Hamster Gets Too Skinny?AbscessesVitamin DeficiencyAge FactorHow Often Should I Feed My Hamster?Final Words
How Much Does Different Breeds Of Hamster Weighs?
Now, we already know that, on average, how much does a hamster weigh?
But the weight of a hamster largely depends on its breed
It is also essential to know how much your hamster should weigh (depending on its breed) to know whether your pet is overweight or skinny
So, let’s discuss the weights of some popular hamster breeds
This smallest breed of hamster has a weight that ranges between 075 ounces to 15 ounces for the adult ones
However, a 15-ounce hamster can be considered overweight in this breed
As they are the smallest, they tend to be the fastest of all other species of hamsters
When it comes to activeness, Roborovski hamsters are more energetic than the bigger ones
Chinese hamsters look a bit different from usual hamsters
In general, most hamsters are chubby and fluffy
But, Chinese hamsters have a thin and long body shape
Their tails are also a bit longer than usual hamster species which adds to some of their weight
Their weight ranges between 15 to 175 ounces for adults, and their size can be as big as 5 inches in length
These are cute-looking chubby hamsters that can weigh around 1 ounce as an adult
Winter White Dwarf Hamsters’ weight can even go up to 2 ounces in winters
Syrian Hamsters are the most popular pet hamsters, and they are the largest of them all
A typical adult Syrian hamster can weigh about 45 ounces
This means these hamsters can weigh up to 7 ounces
Weights of some other breeds of hamsters are as follows:
How Can You Weight Your Hamster?
As hamsters are small in size, it is a bit difficult to weigh them
Ordinary weight machines that we use to measure our weights won’t work for hamsters
It is because these weight machines measure weight in pounds, and hamsters weigh less than a pound
For weighing your hamster accurately, you will want a scale that weighs in ounces or grams
Another issue you may face is that your hamster can try to run away when you place it on the weighing machine
To solve this issue, you can put your hamster in its carrier and then weigh it
Then, put the hamster in it and put the carrier again on the scale
After that, subtract the weight of the empty carrier from when the hamster is inside
You will be able to determine the correct weight of your hamster
How To Check Whether Your Hamster Is Overweight?
Every hamster owner likes their pet to be chubby because that’s what makes hamsters so cute and adorable
But, you need to make sure that your hamster’s chubbiness should not result in being overweight
Being overweight can lead to some health issues in hamsters
To check whether your hamster is overweight or normal, you should know your pet’s age and breed
Then, research how much your hamster’s breed should weigh at its age
How Can You Make Your Hamster From Fat To Fit?
There can be a lot of reasons for your hamster being overweight
So, a hamster owner needs to ensure that his pet exercises a lot, and he should serve an adequate diet rich in all the necessary nutrients to the hamster
To get your hamster to lose some weight, here are some of the measures you can take
See also How Long Can A Hamster Go Without Food?
[Explained]Feed Quality Hamster Food
You can find a variety of hamster food, but not all of them are good for your pet
Some hamster food available in the market has a balanced nutrition composition to fulfill all your hamster’s nutrition requirements
Also, avoid giving too much junk food to hamsters
Seeds, treats, or food high in sugar are considered junk for hamsters
But, if you are feeding them such food on a regular basis, then this must be the major reason behind your pet getting overweight
For hamsters to remain fit, they need food like grass or carrots
Serving a few dog treats is also a good choice as they are rich in protein that can benefit hamsters
As hamsters are small and energetic animals, they tend to eat a lot to keep their energy levels up
In general, just a teaspoon of hamster food every day is sufficient for your pet, along with some fresh food
Make Sure That Your Hamster Exercise Well
Lack of exercise not only makes your hamster overweight but can also make it depressed
To keep your hamster fit and healthy, get an exercise wheel for it and ensure that your pet exercise on it regularly
Additionally, make it a habit to take your hamster out of the cage and put it in an exercise ball for atleast 20 minutes so that it can run around
A hamster may be small, but they require a big place to play around
As you know, hamsters are active creatures who run around to burn off their calories
So, it would be wise to get a bigger cage for your pet and install some tubes and a hamster playground in it
This will give your hamster a fun place to play and do some exercise
Can Obesity Become A Reason For Death in Hamsters?
Obesity can lead to various health issues, but it does not directly result in the death of your hamster
Just like obesity can be the cause of various illnesses in humans, the same goes for hamsters
Obesity in hamsters can lead to problems such as diabetes and heart issues that can further become the cause of your pet’s death
Now that we know how to deal with overweight hamsters let’s talk about skinny hamsters
Weight loss in hamsters can be the result of several complications
So, let us discuss some of the prominent reasons behind your hamster getting skinny and find solutions
See also Bad Foods For Hamsters
Abscesses is a kind of infection that is caused in the cheek area of the hamster
When hamsters eat some hard or sharp food, sometimes it gets cut inside the cheeks
Due to this, it becomes painful for the hamster to eat anything resulting in a reduction in appetite and weight loss
If such a thing happens, consult a vet as abscesses can be treated by giving proper antibiotics to the pet
Just like abscesses, pain due to dental issues makes the hamster eat less
Hamsters belong to the family of rodents; they require things to gnaw for grinding their teeth, so they do not overgrow
Dog treats can serve as an excellent hard food to grind down their teeth, and it is full of proteins too
Additionally, broken or missing teeth can inflict pain which can become another reason for losing appetite in hamsters
In general, as hamsters grow old, they start losing teeth, but sometimes broken teeth can become infected and lead to loss of weight in hamsters
Vitamin deficiency can be one of the major causes of weight loss
Vitamin A and B, along with folic acid, are some of the essential nutrients that hamsters require
A deficiency of these can cause fatigue, weakness, and hair loss
To deal with this issue, give your pet a nutrient-rich diet and always serve high-quality food, including some vitamin-rich fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrot, and spinach
Weight loss in hamsters as they grow old is a gradual process that happens over time
With aging, hamster’s metabolism process slows down, which causes a reduction in their frequency of eating
If they continue to exercise as they have always done, they will lose weight even faster
It is because they will not be eating enough to maintain their weight
This can be another one of the reasons for weight loss in hamsters
A hamster is a small animal that does not eat in large quantities
If you feed it once a day, then serve a tablespoon of food in its bowl in the morning
Hamsters’ weight varies depending on their age, species, the environment they live in, and even their gender
In general, a hamster’s weight ranges between 05 ounces to 105 ounces
Syrian hamsters weigh the most, and Roborovski hamsters are the lightest ones
For a hamster to be happy and healthy, an ideal weight is necessary
Overweight or too skinny hamsters can suffer from various health issues, which can reduce their life expectancy
Hence, it is vital that you always feed high-quality nutrition-rich food to the hamster, make it do plenty of exercises, and give it a lot of things to play with and gnaw
All of these things will help in maintaining your ham’s weight and also keep it healthy
Hamsters are adorable pets partly because of their chubbiness, which might make them look heavier than they are
Even though they tend to get rather round and fluffy, these popular pets don’t actually weigh that much
Hamsters weigh between 05 and 8 ounces (21 and 227 g) on average
Some specimens may grow up to 105 ounces (298 g), but such hamsters aren’t seen very often
Their weight depends on their breed, sex, and age
Females are larger, while it isn’t uncommon to find hamsters losing weight as they age
Read on to learn more about the different factors that influence the weight of your hamster and why it’s important to keep track of its weight
We’ll also take a look at what you can do to keep off excess weight and the steps to take if your hamster is too skinny
Hamster Weight by BreedRoborovski HamstersCampbell’s Russian Dwarf HamstersChinese HamstersWhite Winter Dwarf HamstersSyrian HamstersAre Female Hamsters Bigger?Do Hamsters Lose Weight With Age?Why Is It Important To Know Your Hamster’s Weight?What To Do if Your Hamster Is OverweightChoose Higher-quality FoodFeed Your Hamster LessMake Sure Your Hamster Gets More ExerciseWhat To Do if Your Hamster Is Getting Too SkinnyAbscessesTooth ProblemsVitamin DeficienciesFinal Thoughts
Hamster Weight by Breed
A hamster’s breed is the biggest predictor of its weight
The most common hamster breeds in the USA, ranging from smallest to largest, are:
Roborovski Hamsters
Roborovski Hamsters
Roborovski Hamsters
Roborovski Hamsters
Their average weight is between 075 and 15 ounces (21 and 43 g), and they’re usually between 18 and 20 inches (46 and 51 mm) long
To add to their cuteness, they’re also the fastest hamster breed and can run up to 6 miles (10 km) at night as claimed by the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, based in New York
Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamsters
Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamsters
Chinese Hamsters
Chinese Hamsters
Chinese Hamsters
Chinese Hamsters
These hamsters are very similar in size to Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamsters, as they weigh 15 to 175 ounces (43 to 50 g) on average
Unlike most hamsters, they aren’t round and pudgy, but rather long, with elongated tails that account for much of their weight
Chinese hamsters are also known to be very intelligent and easy to tame or train
White Winter Dwarf Hamsters
White Winter Dwarf Hamsters
This breed of hamster got its name because of the white fur the animals acquire during the cold winter months
Also, they’re slightly larger than the previous breeds, weighing 15 to 20 ounces (43 to 57 g) on average
Syrian Hamsters
Syrian Hamsters
Syrian Hamsters
Syrian Hamsters
These hamsters, also known as teddy bear or golden hamsters, are the largest on this list, as they usually weigh one ounce for every inch of their length
Since they typically grow to 6 or 7 inches (152 or 178 mm), they’re true behemoths in hamster standards
If you’re a hamster owner or on the lookout for one, you’ll most likely come across this breed
Read How To Pick Up a Hamster When You’re Scared
Are Female Hamsters Bigger?
Female hamsters tend to be bigger than their male counterparts – even though males are typically bigger in most species
This is especially true among Syrian hamsters, who have a more obvious sexual dimorphism
Therefore, sex is a crucial factor when assessing the average weight of a hamster
Hamster owners often report that females tend to have a smell that’s way more pungent and are more aggressive and territorial – another trait you’d associate more with males
Read Why Is My Hamster Losing Weight?
Do Hamsters Lose Weight With Age?
Hamsters lose weight with age owing to their slowing metabolism which causes them to eat less
As they start to consume less food, their weight begins to decline naturally
If they keep exercising as much as they used to while eating less, hamsters can lose weight even faster
Usually, hamsters are just going to reduce the amount of food they eat, so the weight loss will probably not be dramatic
If your hamster still eats regularly, there’s no need to worry
Why Is It Important To Know Your Hamster’s Weight?
It’s important to keep track of your hamster’s weight because it’s a reliable indicator of health and overall well-being
Recognizing that your hamster is overweight or underweight allows you to act on time, helping to prevent any health problems
Just like humans and other pets, hamsters can suffer from obesity and obesity-related problems, such as diabetes and heart ailments
To be healthy, hamsters do need to be a bit on the fluffier side
And if they’re losing weight rapidly, you should do something to address that
Read How To Put a Hamster Out of Its Misery
What To Do if Your Hamster Is Overweight
If you notice that your hamster is much fatter than it’s supposed to be for its breed, sex, and age, you need to put it on a weight loss regimen
Giving your hamster a lot of junk food, such as seeds, treats, and sugary foods, will easily increase its weight
If you notice that your hamster is getting fat, cut down on such treats
Grains are good for hamsters plus they also provide a lot of nutrition
However, they’re also very calorie-dense, thus your hamster can gain a lot of weight if it eats too much of them
Another thing to consider is checking the labels if you’re buying premade hamster food
Hamsters don’t need sugar, so if you’re looking at a box of hamster food, and it contains a lot of sugar, put it back on the shelf
Read Why Is My Hamster So Fat?
Feed Your Hamster Less
Feed Your Hamster Less
Feed Your Hamster Less
Feed Your Hamster Less
Giving your hamster less food is also going to help it lose weight
Just like humans, if hamsters consume fewer calories, they’re going to start losing weight
Hamsters generally don’t need more than a tablespoon of food
You should also put your hamster’s food in one bowl
Hamsters tend to hoard food, so if you spread it around the cage, your hamster is going to hoard it instead of eating it
This is also a good way to monitor how much your hamster eats
Make Sure Your Hamster Gets More Exercise
Make Sure Your Hamster Gets More Exercise
It’s also important not to forget to let your hamster get enough exercise
Hamsters in the wild can cross great distances and like to run a lot
Getting a simple toy such as a hamster wheel or a hamster ball will allow them to have plenty of exercise
You can even release your hamster from its cage if it’s safe enough and let them roam free around your house or flat
If you do let your hamster run around your home freely, make sure to watch over it
If you have other pets, make sure they won’t see your hamster as a convenient snack
Read Do Hamsters Need a Wheel at Night?
What To Do if Your Hamster Is Getting Too Skinny
What To Do if Your Hamster Is Getting Too Skinny
Hamsters can occasionally lose weight, and if their weight drops below the average for their breed, it might mean they have a health problem
Abscesses usually occur on the skin, below the fur, as a result of fights with other hamsters
Since hamsters like to chew on things, this isn’t a surprising occurrence
Unfortunately, the abscesses make it painful for them to eat, which can lead to weight loss
If you inspect your hamster and notice abscesses, take it to a vet
The vet will treat your hamster with antibiotics, and if necessary, rupture the abscess to remove the pus
Read Hamster Very Active Then Died?
Hamsters have to nibble on things, like all rodents
They also need to do this, otherwise, their teeth can overgrow, causing pain and other problems
These pets can also lose teeth, especially when they age or get into fights
Broken and infected teeth can cause a lot of pain and make your hamster give up food
Doing so will ensure that your hamster lives a happy and healthy life
Hamsters can also suffer from vitamin deficiencies
Weight loss
If you feed your hamster a balanced and healthy diet, it should have no problem with vitamin deficiencies
Taking good care of your hamster’s weight will ensure that it lives a happy and long life
A little bit of effort will go a long way in making your hamster a very satisfied rodent
What Is the Average Weight of a Hamster
A hamster’s weight will vary widely across different breeds
The smallest hamsters can weigh around 05 ounces (21 g), but the biggest ones can grow to 10 ounces (283 g)
It’s crucial to know how much your hamster is supposed to weigh to remain healthy
If it’s becoming overweight, adjust the diet and make it get more exercise
If it’s becoming too skinny, see if there are any health problems and approach your vet
You may also like the following hamsters articles:
Why Is My Hamster Wobbling and Falling Over?
Why Is My Hamster Acting Weird?
How To Travel With a Hamster
How Do You Give a Hamster a Bath?
Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food?
I am a Milwaukee-based mom of 2 and have been a proud owner of many hamsters throughout my life
Like many of us, my introduction to hamsters happened when I was very young