What Are the Signs of a Pregnant Hamster?

One problem with purchasing a hamster at a pet store is that she may already be pregnant. Indeed, hamsters can become pregnant at the tender age of 35 days, according to Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville in their 2002 book "Training Your Pet Hamster." But there are subtle signs of pregnancy that can be observed in Syrian and Russian Dwarf hamsters, the most common type found in U.S. pet stores.

  1. Weight gain

    • According to Hamsterific.com, Syrian hamsters will suddenly get very fat at the ninth or tenth day after breeding. Their gestation is only about 16 days long. Dwarf hamsters have slightly longer gestation periods from 18 to 30 days. They will rapidly put on weight after two weeks from being bred.

    Activity

    • A pregnant hamster tends to make a nest of soft material a few days before birth as well as hoard lots of her food in the nest. She also may build a second nest. With the exception of the Russian dwarf, the pregnant females of all other species of hamsters will attack any other hamster near the nest.

    Appearance

    • A pregnant hamster's teets are particularly noticeable and her stomach will become much wider and have a lumpy look.

    Behavior

    • A pregnant hamster may seem especially nervous or jumpy. If you suspect pregnancy, try to handle her less in order to put her more at ease. Keep the room in which she is caged quiet and do not disturb her nest.

    Warning

    • Cannibalism is a fairly common and distressing problem for owners of hamsters that have just given birth, particularly among the Syrian hamster variety. Some mothers may abandon their pups rather than eat them.