How to Breed Winter White Hamsters

Dwarf winter white Russian hamsters are a smooth-coated variety that can either be black and gray, sapphire, imperial or pearl in color. In the winter they shed their darker coat and are left with a snow white coat, which is a defense mechanism to hide them from predators during snowy months. Because the hamsters are more social creatures, they are usually friendly with humans than as are other varieties of hamsters. They can be, however, more aggressive with other dwarf varieties.

Things You'll Need

  • Separate breeding cage
  • Scoop
  • Fresh bedding
  • High-protein, high-fat foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose hamsters to breed that come from a healthy family line with no genetic diseases.

    • 2

      Keep males and females in the same cage as they prefer to live in a pack. Remove the male and female you wish them to breed and place them in a breeding cage. Use a scoop to lift them out to avoid disturbing them too much.

    • 3

      Watch for aggression. Allow some aggression to occur but be prepared to separate them if it becomes excessive.

    • 4

      Watch for signs the female is receptive. Look for her to arch her back, stand still and to raise her tail. Do not disrupt the hamsters while breeding, which should take approximately 20 minutes. Return the pair to the community cage, if the female is not receptive and try again the following evening.

    • 5

      Ensure the community cage is clean before returning the mating pair to the cage.

    • 6

      Do not disturb the female for the next two weeks, other than to provide fresh food and water. Change and clean the cage weekly as normal, but take extra care not to cause stress to the female.

    • 7

      Do a thorough cage cleaning on day 16. Add additional bedding, again taking care not to disturb her.

    • 8

      Provide foods that are high fat and protein such as nuts, seeds, carrots and milk. Lower the water bottle level so that the pups (babies) can reach it.

    • 9

      Avoid touching the pups or cleaning the cage until their eyes are open around day 15 after birth.

    • 10

      Do not worry about separating the father or other hamsters from the cage; they will help the mother care for the litter.