The big day has arrived? Your female hamster is about to give birth? Here’s what you need to do and avoid to make the process easier for her. You’ll see, it’s very simple.
Understanding the gestation period of the hamster
Before discussing the measures to take when your hamster is giving birth, let’s first look at the gestation period. The duration of gestation varies depending on the species of hamster: it is about 16 days for dwarf hamsters and 18 to 22 days for Syrian hamsters. During this period, it is recommended to avoid handling the female too much to prevent unnecessary stress.
Prepare the space where your hamster will give birth
To ensure your hamster can give birth under the best conditions, carefully prepare her space, such as:
- Choose a quiet room: your hamster must feel safe to give birth to her babies. Keep her away from sources of noise and commotion to avoid stressing her.
- Provide appropriate bedding: soft and comfortable bedding is essential for the mother to prepare a cozy nest for her babies. Opt for dust-free paper bedding or cellulose bedding.
- Ensure the cage is clean and secure: thoroughly clean your hamster’s cage before she gives birth, but avoid chemical products that could be harmful to the babies. Also, check that the cage is secure enough to prevent the little ones from escaping.
Monitor the female’s behavior during childbirth
During labor, discreetly observe the female to ensure she is doing well and taking proper care of her babies. Here are the signs to look out for:
- The female appears nervous or agitated: this may indicate that she is about to give birth. Make sure she has a calm and secure place to retreat to and give birth to her babies.
- She pulls hair from her belly: this behavior is quite normal in hamsters that are expecting babies. The female is creating a cozy nest to welcome her babies when they are born.
- She rejects some babies: if the female rejects one or more of her babies, do not attempt to intervene. Unfortunately, this usually means that those little ones are weak or ill and that the mother considers them unable to survive.
- She eats some of her babies: although this may seem shocking, it is actually a natural behavior in hamsters. In the wild, a female may eat some of her babies if she believes they will not survive or if she lacks the resources to feed them.
What to do if the female seems to be in difficulty?
If you notice that your hamster is having trouble giving birth or seems to be in pain, contact a veterinarian specialized in exotic animals immediately. They can provide you with advice tailored to the situation and may intervene if necessary.
Take care of the mother and babies after childbirth
And after childbirth, what to do? You’ll see, it’s easy:
- Leave the mother and babies alone: do not handle the little ones during the first few days after their birth, as this could stress the mother and cause her to abandon them.
- Provide appropriate nutrition: increase the amount of food you give to the mother and add protein-rich foods. You can also offer her celery for hydration.
- Check the water bottle regularly: ensure that the water bottle is always full and functional so that the mother can stay hydrated to nurse her babies properly.
- Observe the babies: monitor their growth and development to ensure they are growing normally. Baby hamsters should gain weight each day and start to open their eyes around the 10th day.
When to separate the babies from their mother?
We recommend separating baby hamsters from their mother between 3 and 4 weeks after their birth. At this age, they are sufficiently independent to manage on their own and can be adopted by new families if you wish. This depends on the species of hamster:
| Species | Weaning |
|---|---|
| Russian Hamster | between 18 and 28 days after birth |
| Syrian/Golden Hamster | between 21 and 35 days after birth |
| Roborovski Hamster | between 20 and 25 days after birth |
| Campbell’s Hamster | between 18 and 28 days after birth |
| Chinese Hamster | between 21 and 25 days after birth |