Can I Bottle Feed a Hamster?

In the animal kingdom it is more common for mothers to die during birth or to abandon their offspring. If this happens to a pet it raises a difficult question about what to do with the babies. Hand raising them is certainly an option, although not encouraged for animals found injured in the wild. With hamsters the situation is trickier due to the constant care they require and problems with bottle feeding.

  1. Newborns

    • Bottle feeding newborn hamster pups is a difficult task, but if the mother dies during birthing it may be the only option. The major problem is that hamster babies require their mother's milk to grow. For the first 12 days they will require feeding once an hour. In the absence of hamster milk, kitten milk can be used instead. Some kitten milk packets say that they are suitable for hamsters. Give each pup three drops of milk from an eyedropper. In emergencies, evaporated milk and water can be mixed in equal parts. Be prepared for the pups not surviving.

    Toddlers

    • After 12 days the pups will require less feeding, but they will remain on the same formula. Between 12 and 21 days, feed them the three drops of kitten milk in the same way every two to three hours. Gradually extend this period over this time to wean them off the milk.

    Abandoned and Older Pups

    • If the hamster mother has abandoned her pups after they are off milk, or if there has been success with the newborns, they will not require bottle feeding. Standard dry hamster food, along with pieces of fruit for hydration will be fine. Lower the water bottle so the hamster pups can get liquid.

    Other Arrangements

    • If at all possible find a surrogate mother for the hamster pups. A hamster's milk is the ideal food source for newborns, and although kitten milk is acceptable it is not the same. Many animals do not respond well to hand raising or bottle feeding. Remember to clean the bedding after the birthing process and keep the pups warm with a heated mat under the cage.

    Adults

    • There is no reason why it is not possible to bottle feed a sick adult hamster with liquid, but most rodents are capable of feeding themselves even when very ill. A common illness with hamsters is a bacterial infection called wet tail. This can be treated with antibiotics from the veterinarian and orally administered isotonic drinks. Because adult hamster mouths are larger, the eyedropper is not suitable. Instead, use a syringe or even a teaspoon would work well.