How to Tell a Boy Hamster From a Girl

Distinguishing between male and female hamsters is essential if you want to breed them. It's not as simple as it sounds since the boys do not look that different from the girls at first glance. Sexing hamsters is a straightforward process that does not require any special equipment, and should not inconvenience the hamsters.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up the hamster in one hand. Cup your other hand over it.

    • 2

      Turn your hands over gently so the hamster is laying on its back.

    • 3

      Hold the hamster gently by the scruff of its neck so you have a clear view of its genitals.

    • 4

      Check for testicles. Hamsters develop testicles around the age of four weeks, with the testicles on the Syrians being larger and more obvious.

    • 5

      Locate the anal and sexual openings between the hamster's hind legs.

    • 6

      Judge the distance between the anus and the sexual openings. The distance between the anal opening and the penile opening of both Syrian and Siberian males is between 1 and 2 cm. The distance between the anal opening and the vaginal opening on the females is significantly smaller, to the point where it looks like the same orifice.

    • 7

      Look along the sides for nipples on a Syrian hamster. Syrian female hamsters have two rows of nipples that run along either side of the belly. The nipples on a Siberian hamster are harder to see.