Content
- How long does the hamster's gestation last?
- What are the pregnancy symptoms of a hamster
- How many puppies can a hamster have?
- What to do when a hamster has puppies?
- Is it necessary to separate the male hamster from its offspring?
It is very important to recognize the hamster's pregnancy early. This way, you can provide the necessary care and prepare the house for the birth of the puppies that are on the way.
If you have chosen to have a beautiful pair of hamsters at home, you should know that there is a high possibility that the female will become pregnant if she is not separated from the male during the fertile period.
In this article, we'll talk a little about the gestation of these small rodents that have become very popular pets in recent decades, and we'll show you how to tell if the hamster is pregnant.
One of the advantages of having a hamster as a pet is the easy adaptation of these animals to small environments such as apartments. Another advantage is the simple daily care necessary to maintain the good health of these animals so loved by children and adults. Just maintain a balanced diet and an enriched environment that is physically and mentally stimulating.
How long does the hamster's gestation last?
Hamster gestation may vary slightly depending on the organism of each female. Usually, pregnancy lasts between 15 and 16 days. However, depending on the type of hamster, this period can be extended.
A golden hamster usually gives birth after 16 days of pregnancy, while a dwarf hamster takes 21 days to give birth. Females of the Chinese or Roborovsky breed usually have a minimum gestation of 23 days.
An agreement between the pregnancies of different breeds of hamsters is that the female's abdomen dilates only in the last 4 or 5 days. This means that, in order to recognize pregnancy in time, you should not rely solely on abdominal dilation. So below we'll show you other symptoms that will help you to know if the hamster is pregnant.
What are the pregnancy symptoms of a hamster
If you want to know how to know if your hamster is pregnant, below we'll show you the most notable symptoms, plus we'll tell you how to take care of your hamster during pregnancy:
- Check your hamster's weight and appetite: Sudden increase in weight and appetite are some of the common symptoms of pregnancy in hamsters. You should watch out if your female starts to consume more water and food than usual. While these changes may indicate pregnancy, it is also possible that they indicate an illness or imbalance in your body. Therefore, it is very important to go to the vet if you notice that your hamster is behaving in an unusual way or is gaining weight rapidly. It is important to remember that pregnant hamsters must have water and food available throughout the day. The female consumes the amount of food her body needs to nourish her offspring, in addition to reserving food for the time of birth. To know how to feed a pregnant hamster, it is necessary to emphasize that your diet should be highly energetic, with an increase in your daily intake of protein and healthy fats.
- Check the female's abdomen: although abdominal dilation is delayed in hamsters, their tummy may have other indications that it is expecting puppies. For example, if the nipples increased in size or are protruding, it means that the body is preparing for breastfeeding. Also, if you suspect a pregnancy, you can tell if the female's belly shows any changes over the days. It is important to clarify that hamsters defend their territory during pregnancy, both because they feel more vulnerable and because they establish protection for the environment where their babies will be born. Therefore, it is not recommended to bother the female during pregnancy to prevent her from going through high stress situations, which are very harmful during this period.
While it's essential to give her love and make sure you provide proper care during this stage, it's also vital to respect her environment.
How many puppies can a hamster have?
It depends on the type of hamster. A Russian hamster, for example, oscillates the number of newborns between 4 and 8 puppies, while a golden hamster can have 20! As you can see, the number of babies in the same litter differs from one type to another, so it's always recommended to go to the vet for an exam and get your bearings.
What to do when a hamster has puppies?
After the hamster has given birth, it is very important. avoid approaching the cage. Also, remember not to touch newborns! Hamsters need intimacy during pregnancy and lactation to adapt to their new maternal reality. Exposure to stressful situations is highly detrimental to the health of the mother and her children. Also, if we touch newborns, the female can eat them as she considers them vulnerable and untrained for survival.
If you have observed or suspected that the hamster is eating your puppies, you should know that this is a natural and common phenomenon among these rodents. However, there are preventive measures to prevent the hamster from eating your puppies. those of other hamsters and provide parents with a calm and positive environment throughout pregnancy and lactation.
After 15 to 20 days of birth, you can now clean the cage again. From that moment on, you can resume the usual contact with him and also allow the interaction of the puppies and the mother with the other hamsters.
It's time to enjoy with your new companions! Of course, keep in mind that hamsters are animals that mature sexually very quickly. Depending on the type of hamster, after a month or two they can start to reproduce each other. For this reason, consider all options and consequences before breeding rodents.
Is it necessary to separate the male hamster from its offspring?
