How to Breed Syrian Hamsters

Breeding Syrian hamsters is a straightforward process. They can produce up to 20 young per litter, so be sure that you have homes lined up or that you are willing to care for them yourself. You can breed Syrian hamster females who are between 4 and 6 months old. Females who breed for the first time after they are 6 months old often experience complications and might die. Male Syrian hamsters may be bred at any time after they are 2 months old. Choose healthy hamsters with good temperaments as breeding stock.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Sturdy cardboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the female Syrian hamster to see whether she is in heat. Syrian hamster females go into heat every four days. Test her by stroking her back toward the tail. If she freezes, flattens to the ground and lifts her tail, she is in heat. Place the male and female Syrian hamsters together only when the female is in heat.

    • 2

      Place the male and the female Syrian hamsters together in a new tank. Placing one hamster into another hamster's tank can cause a territorial fight.

    • 3

      Separate the Syrian hamsters with a piece of sturdy cardboard if they are fighting instead of mating. If the hamster female is not receptive, there is a chance that they will simply attack each other. If they are attacking each other, keep them apart and try again the next time the female is in heat.

    • 4

      Allow the hamsters to mate until one of them loses interest and wanders away.

    • 5

      Place both hamsters in their own tank.

    • 6

      Observe the female hamster for signs of pregnancy. Female Syrian hamsters start to put on weight in about 10 days. They deliver their pups about 16 days after the mating.

    • 7

      Repeat this process until the female is pregnant.