How to Breed Pearl Winter White Dwarf Hamsters

Although the name implies they are pure white hamsters, winter white dwarf hamsters can come in a number of colors, including black, sapphire, imperial, gray and pearl. The winter-white moniker is bestowed because these hamsters shed their darker outer coats during the winter and become white in color as camouflage in the snow. This type of dwarf hamster is friendly to humans, making them an often sought-after pet. If you want to breed winter white dwarf hamsters, you can do so with a little preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding pair
  • Breeding cage
  • Scoop
  • Fresh food
  • Fresh water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose two hamsters from a good lineage. The hamsters' family history should be free of genetic disorders or diseases.

    • 2

      Move your chosen male and female breeding pair to a breeding cage. A breeding cage is a cage that is set aside specifically for breeding, away from other hamsters. In general, your hamsters will prefer to live in packs so a separate cage is necessary for breeding specific pairs. However, if you only have the two hamsters, a separate cage is not necessary. Use a scoop to move the hamsters. This is less disturbing to the hamsters than handling with your hands. Breeding is best done at night because hamsters are nocturnal creatures.

    • 3

      Monitor your hamsters for any signs of aggression. Some aggression is normal but if one of the breeding pair seems to be in danger, you will need to separate them immediately. Extreme aggression would be excessive fighting in which injury can occur.

    • 4

      Observe the female of the breeding pair to see if she indicates she is receptive to breeding. A receptive female will stand still, arch her back and lift her tail. If she is not receptive to the advances of the male, return the hamsters to the pack cage and try again the following day.

    • 5

      Move your breeding pair back to the pack cage after successful mating has occurred. Mating takes an average of 20 minutes. Use a scoop to move them to avoid unnecessary stress to the pair.

    • 6

      Leave the female for a two-week period. Ensure she has plenty of food and water. Do not skip regular cage cleanings and avoid handling the female unless necessary. Use a scoop to move her from the cage when cleaning.

    • 7

      Change and clean the cage thoroughly on the 16th day after mating. Provide more bedding than normal. Your female is close to delivering her pups and you want the cage clean and ready. Plus, once the pups are born, you will want to avoid cage changes and cleanings for two weeks.

    • 8

      Adjust the water bottle height in the cage. You want it low enough that the pups can reach it when they are born. Also be sure to provide plenty of high-fat and high-protein foods for the mother. Good food choices include seeds and nuts as well as milk and carrots.

    • 9

      Perform a thorough cage cleaning two weeks after the pups are born.