Information on Pregnant Dwarf Hamsters

Female dwarf hamsters conceive have such a short gestation period that it's possible for their owners to be unaware of the hamster's condition until the babies are born. It is essential for owners to recognize the signs of pregnancy and know how to care for the hamster so the babies, and the mother, emerge in the best of health.

  1. Dwarf Hamster Pregnancy

    • Dwarf hamsters have a gestation period of approximately 12-17 days after conception. After your female dwarf hamster has mated, you should separate her from your other hamsters and observe her closely. Pregnancy signs such as a swollen abdomen and nipples usually appear within 10 days. She will also show a marked increase in appetite and sleep more frequently then usual.

    Nutrition

    • Pregnant dwarf hamsters have additional protein requirements, and must be fed high protein foods such as oats, cheese, and fruit in addition to her regular food. Fresh water must always be available.

    Care Requirements

    • In the early days of pregnancy, your dwarf hamster can be handled as often as you would normally handle her. As her due date approaches, handle her less often, as she will need to conserve her energy for the birth, and might be crankier then usual as well. Clean her cage a few days before the big day and put fresh bedding and nesting material inside.

    Labor And Delivery

    • Dwarf hamsters have anywhere from six to 14 pups, and labor and delivery takes about two hours. After delivery, the mother will gather the pups together to clean and nurse them.

    After Care Tips

    • Never touch newborn dwarf hamsters for any reason. If you do, the mother will smell your scent on her babies and may become nervous and eat them. Avoid handling the mother until the pups are a week old, and continue to feed her high-protein foods.

      The pups will nurse for the first two weeks and can be fed small amounts of bread and cooked vegetables after this time. When they are 8 weeks old, they will be able to eat regular adult hamster food.

    Considerations

    • If you have not already done so, remove the father hamster from the cage immediately after the babies are born. Father hamsters have been known to eat their babies, too.