How to Keep a Newborn Hamster Warm

Hamsters are prodigious breeders. According to Idaho State University, females reach sexual maturation when they are between one and two months old. As they have the shortest gestation period among rodents, they can produce five to six large litters and subsequent smaller ones by the time they reach 15 months. Normally, newborn hamsters are kept warm by their mother. However, litters are occasionally abandoned, making intervention necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad (optional)
  • Heat lamp (optional)
  • Towels
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the hamster cage in a warm place. Find a warm location in your house, preferably off the ground. Placing the cage near a heat vent or radiator is recommended. This allows sufficient heat for the mother to keep herself and the pups warm.

    • 2

      Heat the cage with a heat lamp or heating pad. In laboratory conditions, young hamsters are maintained between 71 to 75 degrees. Place a heating pad in the cage at a distance from the pups, or use a heat lamp to warm the cage. Since newborn hamsters do not require excessive heat, be sure to point the lamp indirectly towards the cage. Direct heat can harm the hamsters, or cause a fire. the cage can be partially covered with a towel to maintain the proper temperature.

    • 3

      Monitor the cage temperature. Place a thermometer in the cage and monitor the temperature, keeping it between 71 and 75 degrees. Adjust the heating pad, or lamp, accordingly to maintain temperatures in this range.