Do Hamsters Eat Their Children?

Hamsters sometimes do eat their offspring. However, this action is generally misunderstood. Hamsters are not mean-spirited. It must be remembered that they are animals, after all, and are driven by their instincts.

  1. What to Expect

    • Hamsters are pregnant for between 15 and 20 days. Each litter can have four to 12 babies, which are called hamster pups. Hamsters are able to experience up to three pregnancies a year, between the months of February and November.

    Which Parent Eats its Offspring?

    • Most commonly, it is the mother that eats her young. She will also harm the father if he is left in the cage after birth; this is particularly true of golden hamsters. Hamsters are one animal that wants to be alone. Furthermore, she might eat some of her children if she has a large litter. She feels this is a way to help her care properly for the surviving pups. There are a variety of hamster breeds, and some varieties are more likely to eat their offspring than others are.

    Reducing the Risk

    • One recommendation is for the human caretaker to avoid touching the pups for up to two weeks. The scent that is left behind by humans will be disorienting to the mother and make her feel they are not her babies. She may abandon or neglect her children, or even eat them. Cleaning the cage too quickly after the babies are born could also lead to the babies getting eaten.

      It is also a good idea to avoid handling the pups because they are very fragile when they are first born. One sign that the hamster pups are ready to be handled is that they have noticeable fur and their eyes have begun to open. The hamster babies should be put in another cage away from their mother by four weeks old. It could mean the mother looses the pup scents. Waiting until the babies are moved won't hurt.

      Feeding the mother a proper diet also helps ensure the safety of the pups. When the mother is malnourished, she is more likely to eat her babies. Be sure to provide new food and water daily. A proper hamster diet includes sunflower seeds, beans, nuts, wheat and treats, such as bread with peanut butter, cheese, crunchy fruits and vegetables.