About Pregnant Syrian Hamsters

Syrian hamsters, which include the golden, teddy bear, panda bear and black bear varieties, are often described as entertaining little creatures that make wonderful pets. They are also extremely fertile mammals. In fact, many people who purchase hamsters at a pet store report that, much to their surprise, the hamster has given birth to a litter of hamster pups soon thereafter. As with most pregnant females, Syrian hamsters will experience changes in their behavior and appearance when motherhood is pending.

  1. Identification

    • Like most pregnant females, pregnant Syrian hamsters will begin to gain weight and will show a noticeable increase in appetite. Unlike humans, however, a pregnant hamster will grow more in girth than directly in the abdomen. Due to hormonal changes, the hamster may seem to be a bit more nervous or jumpy than usual, and a normally docile hamster may bite on occasion. She also will become more active as she prepares the nest in which she will give birth. She does this by gathering more bedding and food into one area.

    Time Frame

    • Syrian hamsters reach sexual maturity before they are 1 month old. Female Syrian hamsters go into heat every four days, during which the chance of pregnancy is very high. Once the female becomes pregnant, the gestation period for Syrian hamsters is quite short, lasting only about 15 to 17 days.

    Considerations

    • According to Hamsterific.com, a Syrian hamster is capable of producing 20 babies from one litter. Once the babies arrive, male hamsters must be removed from the cage because they might attack and kill the babies. Another reason to remove the male is the fact that the female is capable of getting pregnant again shortly after giving birth. Female hamsters that have little recovery time between pregnancies are more likely to give birth to sick pups. Frequent pregnancies also tend to shorten the life span of a female Syrian hamster.

    Mating

    • The best way to ensure the impregnation of a Syrian hamster is to be aware of the signs that she is receptive to mating. According to Ask-the-Vet.com, right before the female comes into heat she will emit a musky odor, which generally begins in the evening hours every four days and lasts from four to 18 hours. Once this opportune time passes, the female excretes a think, white mucus from her vagina.

    Expert Insight

    • The most important things to give an expectant hamster are proper nutrition and the space to do what comes naturally. According to HamsterHideout.com, adding more proteins like carrots, nuts and hard-boiled eggs to the diet will help ensure adequate nourishment. Minimal handling of the female before she gives birth will help keep her calm, and not handling the babies at all once they are born will allow her to follow her maternal instincts in caring for the pups.