Can Syrian Hamsters Have Babies?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hamsters usually give birth without problems if you wait until they are old enough to mate (

four months

). The birth will likely happen at night when everything is quiet. Litters can be as small as 4 or as large as 16 babies.

Do hamsters get pregnant easily?

Female hamsters come into estrus (heat) every four days or so (this is the time they will be fertile and receptive to a male). This means

the opportunity for your hamster to get pregnant is practically constant

.

Can Syrian hamsters get pregnant on their own?

TLDR;

Do not breed your hamsters on your own

. In the event that you brought home an already-pregnant hamster: Leave the mother and the pups alone and in peace, especially after birth.

When can a Syrian hamster get pregnant?

Hamsters can breed at

about six weeks of age

. So, if you’ve been keeping males and females together after six weeks, the females may already be pregnant. If so, their litters could appear in as little as two or three weeks!

How do I know if my hamsters are mating?

Catching your dwarf hamsters in the act of mating is the easiest way to confirm your suspicions. If

one hamster is standing on his hind legs behind the female hamster and mounting her while moving back and forth

you can be fairly certain they are mating.

What are teddy bear hamsters?

Teddy bear hamster is really just another name for

the Syrian or Golden hamster

Should I get a male or female Syrian hamster?


Males are generally friendlier and less aggressive than females

. If you’re wanting to handle your hamster often, then males are a better choice. They’re a better option for children also, who are more likely to trigger a female hamster’s aggression or territorial behaviors.

Do girl hamsters get their period?

Estrous Cycle

Can hamsters breed with their siblings?

It is best to breed female hamsters that are older than 4 months of age. When you are breeding your hamsters,

make sure that you don’t breed brother and sister hamsters

. The other combinations, such as father-daughter, mother-son, are usually fine.

Will the father hamster eat the babies?

Apparently,

it’s totally normal for hamsters to eat their young

. According to Reference.com, “Especially in first-time mothers, stress and fear associated with rearing babies can be too much to handle.” Look we get it, mama.

When can you touch a baby hamster?


14 days of age

is “the ideal time to begin to familiarize your young hamster with being handled,” says Kohles. This should be a thoughtful process where you can help desensitize them to handling to minimize the stress of the baby hamsters. Don’t just go right in and pick up the hamster right away, he says.

At what age do hamsters start breeding?

The best time for hamsters to have offspring is when they are

between 10 weeks and 15 months old

. Breeders use pairs with 1 male and 1 female, as well as groups of hamsters with 1 male and multiple females.

Is it bad to have a hamster while pregnant?

If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, be very careful with rodents like hamsters, guinea pigs and mice. They may carry a virus called

lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

(also called LCMV) that can be harmful to you and your baby. LCMV can cause severe birth defects and miscarriage.

Do hamsters know their names?


Hamsters are intelligent creatures who can even learn their name

. If you talk to your hamster and use their name frequently enough to get them used to hearing it, they might even learn to come when called. A hamster’s teeth are constantly growing.

Do hamster eat their babies?


If a hamster is feeling excessively stressed, then it may eat its babies

. … Fear: It is normal for mothers of many species to want to protect their young, and hamsters are no exception. But when hamsters are scared or fearful, this emotion can result in killing and eating their own young.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.