HAMSTER PREGNANCY

How do I know if my hamster is pregnant?

Generally, there is no sure way to tell if a hamster is pregnant as each hamster manifests pregnancy in a different way. But, there are a few signs to be on the look for. First, the size of the expecting mother. The pelvic are of the hamster will appear larger especially on the last 3-5 days of her pregnancy. The hamster will ofteb bear a shape of a pear. Second, the female's nipples will become more pronounced or visible. This is not always a sure sign as some hamsters' nipples do not show until suckled or some hamsters' nipples are always showing. Third, a pregnant female hamster may show aggression towards her partner/cagemate and owner. Fourth, they start making nests. Though it is not always the case. Fifth, the expecting mother will hoard more and eat/drink more than the usual. And sixth, if the male doesn't mount the female or if the female refuses to mate with the male.

How long is a hamster pregnant until it gives birth?

The gestation period of a hamster varies on its breed. For Syrian hamsters, usually around 16 – 18 days. For Dwarf Russian Winter White and Dwarf Russian Campbell’s hamsters, 18 – 21 days. For Roborovski hamsters, 21 – 30 days. For the dwarf species, complications often arise when the hamster carries its babies too long. A Syrian hamster can have up to 6 – 24 pups, for the dwarfs, up to 4 – 14, and the Roborovski, 3 – 10. Although, bigger and smaller litters are not rare.

When can I separate the pups from their mother?

For the first 12 days of their lives the young cannot control their body temperature, so an adult needs to be on the nest and the father or siblings are vital for the care of the offspring. The babies cannot grow if they are cold and as litters are born in such quick succession, they need to grow fast. About 11 days, the pups will start to open their eyes and eat solid food. At 14 days, they are fully capable of living by themselves but it is advised to let the pups stay with the mother until they are 4 weeks of age so they may learn the basic survival instincts.

BY: CAEZARSALAD