- Give your hamster at least 2 tbsp (28 g) of dry food each night. ...
- Supplement your hamster’s diet with protein 2 times a week. ...
- Add calcium to its diet 2 times a week to strengthen its bones. ...
- Provide 1 to 2 bottles of clean water for drinking. ...
What can you give a pregnant hamster to make it healthy?
To help both the pregnant hamster and its future babies stay strong and healthy, give it pieces of protein along with its pellet food twice a week. For example, chop up a hard-boiled egg or add a handful of nuts. You can also feed your hamster whole grains, like oats or barley, or some insects, like mealworms.
What do hamsters eat?
You can also feed hamsters a small amount of good quality fresh fruit and vegetables to add variety to their diet which includes the following: Foods that you should avoid feeding to hamsters include the following:
How do you take care of a Syrian hamster baby?
Keep the cage dry! A wet cage can be deadly to baby hamsters. This is the only reason to clean the cage once the babies are born until they have opened their eyes. (And since Hamstes101 is intended for beginners, it's worth mentioning that Syrian hamsters are solitary animals.
How often should you feed a Syrian hamster?
When You Should You Feed Your Syrian Hamster. You should feed your hamster twice day, once in the morning and then again in the evening. It's very important to take out any uneaten food because this will quickly go mouldy and if your pet eats food that has any mould on it, they could get very ill.
What do pregnant hamsters need?
A pregnant hamster needs plenty of clean water and a good quality diet throughout the pregnancy until the babies are weaned. Critter Chaws suggests increasing its protein and fat intake by serving hard-boiled eggs, boiled chicken, cereals, among others. Make sure that their home is clean and ready.
What do I do if my Syrian hamster is pregnant?
If you have just noticed your hamster is pregnant, do a thorough cleaning to prepare for the new arrivals. Once the babies have arrived don't worry about cleaning the cage for a while. Leave mother and babies alone for at least 7 days, especially if the mother has never given birth before.
How do you prepare a pregnant hamster?
Pre-birth: Preparing the cageHideout. Replace your hamster's regular hideout with a simple, visible one, so that you can spot the pups if they get hidden by the mother. ... Food. Provide two weeks worth of food in the cage. ... Water. ... Remove all potentially hazardous items:
Can pregnant hamster drink milk?
Calcium. Calcium is known to help preserve bone strength in both expectant mothers and their developing babies. Giving a pregnant hamster some milk or cheese can aid in the skeletal development of the babies and also in her lactation once they are born.
How long does Syrian hamster pregnancy last?
15 – 18 daysGolden hamster / Gestation period(Syrian hamster pregnancies tend to last 16 to 17 days.) You may notice a slight increase in girth or a larger abdomen in a pregnant female a few days before she gives birth.
Do hamsters give birth at night?
Dwarf hamsters usually give birth at night. The birthing process can take several hours, depending on the size of the litter.
How do I know when my hamster is about to give birth?
You may notice a slight increase in girth or a larger abdomen in a pregnant female a few days before she gives birth. As pregnant hamsters approach the time to deliver the litter, they may become restless and active and may have vaginal bleeding. When they are ready to give birth, provide them with nesting material.
How do you tell if a hamster is nesting?
If your female hamster is looking larger than usual, and is gathering lots of bedding into one area, then she could be making a nest in preparation for her babies. Nesting is a strong instinct in hamsters, so watch out for this behavior as the pregnancy progresses.
Should a pregnant hamster have a wheel?
Cage Space The cage needs to be large enough for you to offer her several spots to choose from for making her nest. Pregnant hamsters still like and need plenty of exercise. She will need room to roam around in and a wheel for running.
Can you hold a pregnant hamster?
Avoid handling your pregnant hamster more than you have to. Because pregnant hamsters can be moody and irritable, use caution when touching your hamster or putting your hands in its cage. Only pick it up or pet it if absolutely necessary, like if you're taking it to the vet.
How long is a hamster pregnant?
Roborovski dwarf hamster: 20 – 22 daysHamsters / Gestation periodThe Roborovski hamster, also known as the desert hamster, Robo dwarf hamster, or simply dwarf hamster, is the smallest of three species of hamster in the genus Phodopus. It lives in the deserts of Central Asia, averaging under 2 centimetres at birth and 4.5–5 centimetres and 20–25 grams during adulthood. Wikipedia
What can hamsters drink besides water?
Hamsters start life by drinking their mother's milk, but once they have weaned off this, then water should really be the only thing they drink. Your hamster might happily drink some cow's milk or juice if it is offered to them, but it isn't healthy.
Can you hold a pregnant hamster?
Avoid handling your pregnant hamster more than you have to. Because pregnant hamsters can be moody and irritable, use caution when touching your hamster or putting your hands in its cage. Only pick it up or pet it if absolutely necessary, like if you're taking it to the vet.
How long do hamsters stay pregnant?
Roborovski dwarf hamster: 20 – 22 daysHamsters / Gestation periodThe Roborovski hamster, also known as the desert hamster, Robo dwarf hamster, or simply dwarf hamster, is the smallest of three species of hamster in the genus Phodopus. It lives in the deserts of Central Asia, averaging under 2 centimetres at birth and 4.5–5 centimetres and 20–25 grams during adulthood. Wikipedia
Should I separate father hamster from babies?
If the dwarf father remained in the cage, mating will likely occur soon after birth—as little as three to four days, so a new litter of hamsters could appear when the first litter is about 3 weeks old. To avoid unintended pregnancies, it is suggested to remove the father hamster from the cage.
How do you know if a hamster is in labor?
How to know when your hamster is in labor. If you notice your pregnant hamster acting restless and frantic, there is a good chance she has gone into labor. She will alternate between eating, grooming, and nest building almost non-stop. Another sign she is in labor is if she hisses at you if you reach in the cage.
How to keep a hamster healthy?
While your hamster is pregnant, there are some simple ways to keep her healthy and strong, all the way through to giving birth: Feed her a nutritious diet. Keep her separated from other hamsters. Give her suitable nesting materials such as shredded paper. Ensure she has adequate clean water every day.
How old do hamsters get pregnant?
Female hamsters usually reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 weeks old. From then on, they come into heat every four days!
How do you know if a hamster is giving birth?
Hamsters usually give birth during the day, and you’ll be able to tell that it’s happened from the sounds of hungry babies jostling for access to mom. Don’t handle the pups for two to three weeks after the birth. Attempting to touch them or pick them up too early can result in mom rejecting or even killing them.
How many babies do hamsters have?
A pregnant hamster usually gives birth to a litter of 6 to 12 pups about two to three weeks after mating. The average litter size and gestation period of pregnant hamsters varies according to their breed, and some environmental factors. Pregnant hamsters need special care before, during, and after the birth, to protect their health and ...
How long does it take for a hamster to conceive?
Keep mom away from males as well – hamsters can conceive again within a day of giving birth.
Why are hamsters more likely to survive in cold weather?
This is triggered by the days getting shorter, and improves her babies’ chances of survival – juvenile male hamsters are more likely to survive in cold weather, because they are slightly larger . In captivity, the number of pups a hamster has is also linked to how many other hamsters they share a habitat with.
Why do hamsters die?
Some babies may die during birth, or shortly after. Female hamsters can also die as a result of a difficult birth. Planned hamster breeding is best embarked upon with healthy hamsters from responsible breeders, and under the mentorship of a more experienced hamster breeder.
What do hamsters need to make their nest?
In this cage, your hamster have fresh water and food at her disposal. She will also need materials to make her nest, such as straw, wood and twigs. During her gestation period, it will be essential to keep your hamster’s cage clean, removing food and excrement remains daily.
What is the best way to care for a hamster?
Therefore, beyond preparing her cage, it is also essential to provide her with a calm and positive environment, where she can carry out a safe and peaceful gestation.
How many babies does a hamster have?
The number of offspring per gestation will also depend on the type of hamster you have: while a Russian hamster usually gives birth to 4 to 8 offspring, a golden hamster can give birth to 20 offspring. Unfortunately you cannot notice abdominal dilation in a hamster until her last 5 days of gestation, this means in order to know if your hamster is ...
Why are pregnant hamsters so aggressive?
As we have already mentioned, pregnant hamsters tend to become more aggressive because they feel vulnerable. They will feel the need to defend their territory to ensure that their offspring are born in a safe environment.
How long does a hamster's pregnancy last?
Usually, they are very short pregnancies that can last between 15 and 25 days.
How long does it take for a hamster to dilate?
Unfortunately you cannot notice abdominal dilation in a hamster until her last 5 days of gestation, this means in order to know if your hamster is pregnant, it is important to note other signs, such as;
What can I give my pregnant female?
You can also offer her flour worms or other small insects, which are sold in some veterinary and pet stores. These recommended fruits and vegetables will also help strengthen the immune system of your pregnant female and provide her with a large amount of vitamins, fibers and minerals .
How to tell if a hamster is pregnant?
Signs of possible hamster pregnancy: 1 She had the opportunity to be in the same space as male hamsters after she reached the age of maturity (hamsters are able to conceive three to four weeks after birth. The younger the hamster, the riskier the pregnancy). 2 She has an obvious swollen belly. Some would describe a pregnant hamster’s body shape as a pear. 3 She has been building a nest and hoarding food more than usual. 4 She will have visible nipples.
What to do if hamster is in labor?
Prepare an emergency vet contact to call immediately if your hamster shows any indication of distress during labour. However, if labour is progressing well, simple step back and observe from a distance. It is very important to give the mother as much privacy and space as possible during this time. Only interact to intervene in a critical situation.
How long does it take for a hamster to conceive?
Signs of possible hamster pregnancy: She had the opportunity to be in the same space as male hamsters after she reached the age of maturity (hamsters are able to conceive three to four weeks after birth. The younger the hamster, the riskier the pregnancy). She has an obvious swollen belly.
When to separate hamsters?
Refer to our hamster guide here to properly set up the cages. Syrians must be separated by the 8th week.
When can Syrians be separated?
Syrians must be separated by the 8th week. It is possible for same-sex Winter Whites and Roborovskis from the same litter to live together, but fights often break out nonetheless, which you must intervene in each time.
Do pregnant hamsters eat their own pups?
Pregnant hamsters are more likely to be highly guarded and aggressiv e. The more unsafe she feels, the greater the likelihood of her eating her own pups, so ensure that the mother’s living conditions pre- and post-birth living make her feel safe and comfortable.
Do pawrents eat their pups?
It is only natural that every pawrent wishes for all the pups to survive their infancy. Unfortunately, reality is harsher than any ideal, and it is fairly common for pups to get eaten by their mothers.
What to feed hamsters?
For example, chop up a hard-boiled egg or add a handful of nuts. You can also feed your hamster whole grains, like oats or barley, or some insects, like mealworms. If you give it bits of cooked chicken or beef, be sure there is no salt or seasoning on it. ...
How to help a pregnant hamster?
Supplement your hamster’s diet with protein 2 times a week. To help both the pregnant hamster and its future babies stay strong and healthy, give it pieces of protein along with its pellet food twice a week . For example, chop up a hard-boiled egg or add a handful of nuts.
How to keep hamsters from drinking water?
Provide 1 to 2 bottles of clean water for drinking. Fill the bottle with room temperature water and clip it to the cage at a height that the hamster can easily reach. Refill the bottle with fresh water every day. Monitor the water bottle to make sure it never is completely empty.
How to tell if hamster is pregnant?
1. Look for a swollen stomach as a sign your hamster is about to give birth. Know that unlike humans, a large, distended stomach is actually one of the last symptoms of pregnancy in hamsters and becomes visible right before the birth.
How to make hamsters stronger?
On alternate days from when you give your hamster protein, supplement its pellets with calcium-filled food to make your hamster stronger and fortify the milk it will give its pups. For example, place a shallow bowl of milk in the cage for your hamster to drink or feed it small pieces of cheese.
What to give a hamster to keep it clean?
If you have to clean the cage during the pregnancy, clean around the nest. Do not disturb it. You can also put empty toilet paper rolls or pieces of cardboard in the cage for your hamster to use.
How long does a hamster's pregnancy last?
For example, the gestation period for a Syrian hamster is 16 days whereas it’s 18 to 21 days for dwarf and Chinese hamsters. If you aren’t sure what species your hamster is, ask your vet.
How Often Should I Feed My Syrian Hamster?
Ideally, you should feed your hamster every day. This applies to all hamster breeds, not just Syrian hamsters. All hamsters require fresh food and water every day.
What Can Syrian Hamsters Eat?
There are many foods that hamsters can eat, and many foods that hamsters shouldn’t eat. In this section, we’ll be covering everything you should feed your hamster, and we’ll be covering the foods you should avoid in the next section.
What Are Syrian Hamsters Allergic To?
There are many foods that you should never feed your hamster, but it’s also possible that your hamster, as an individual, has developed an allergy to something. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t feed your hamster.
How Long Can Syrian Hamsters Go Without Food?
This applies to all hamsters: hamsters can’t go for longer than three to four days without food and/or water. It depends on when did they have their last meal, what did they eat, how much did they eat, and how active they have been for the past few days.
What do hamsters eat?
Seeds. Grains. Nuts. You can also feed hamsters a small amount of good quality fresh fruit and vegetables to add variety to their diet which includes the following: Apples. Carrots. Broccoli. Pears. Cabbage.
How much food should I feed my hamster?
You should feed around 10 grams of good quality commercial hamster food twice a day being careful to keep an eye on your pet's weight.
How often should I give my hamster treats?
You can offer your hamster a few special treats which provides a little extra protein. Once or even twice a week the sort of tasty treats you can give your pet includes the following:
What to do if your hamster is putting on too much weight?
What to do if Your Hamster Puts on Too Much Weight. If you think your hamster is putting on too much weight, you need to take a close look at their diet and to see if you are feeding them a few too many "special treats".
How much water do hamsters drink?
Hamsters tend to drink quite a lot of water for such little creatures and will drink around 10 ml per 100g of body weight per day.
What is the best hamster mix?
The mix should contain all the necessary ingredients which typically consist of the following: Seeds. Grains. Nuts.
What to do before bringing a new pet home?
Do Your Research First. When it comes to diet, you need to do your homework first before bringing your new pet home and it's a good idea to include the children in the research so they know exactly how to look after them and what to feed them.
Identifying Male and Female Hamsters
Identifying the sex of hamsters can be slightly tricky, especially at a younger age. Male Syrian hamsters are usually more recognizable. Once they are four weeks old, they would have noticeable testicles hanging below their rear end.
Syrian Hamsters Breeding Behavior
Ensure to separate your hamsters into sex cages once they reach four or five weeks old. At this young age, they are sexually mature and can reproduce.
Supplies You Will Need for Breeding Syrian Hamsters
During your hamster’s gestation period, looking after them is essential to ensure they remain healthy and their offspring are delivered safely.
Do Syrian Hamsters Eat Their Babies?
If your hamster prepares for birth by nesting and consuming less food, then it can be surprising if she kills and eats her own younger one.
Prevent Syrian Hamsters From Eating Their Young
Provide enough food: Ensure the hamster gets enough food while nursing its babies.
How to Care for Baby Syrian Hamsters?
Sometimes, a mother hamster may leave her nest and ignore her babies. She may come back to eat them. If you discover that the mother won’t be able to take care of her babies, you might need to hand-raise them or find a surrogate.
How Often Can You Breed Your Syrian Hamsters?
In the wild, Syrian hamsters’ mating season is summer and spring, so females only go into heat during those seasons.
What Do Baby Hamsters Eat?
The mother hamster usually takes good care of the hamster babies. However, there are some additional foods that you can offer to the babies to help them in their development.
What Should a Mother Hamster Eat?
When a mother hamster is expecting hamster babies they require a diet that is high in protein. It is a good idea to feed your hamster egg, unsalted chicken or beef, and mealworm (available at pet shops).
To sum up
Whether you are looking after a motherless baby hamster that has been rejected or has lost its mother, or you want to give your baby hamsters the highest level of care, there are a few things that you can do.