The average
pregnancy lasts twenty one days. A pregnant hamster doesn’t look
much different to one that isn't, but she may start to act differently to usual. She may send the
male packing if they normally occupy the same sleeping quarters. This is
more likely after the birth of her babies. If she can normally be handled
quite easily and suddenly starts objecting to you handling her, this may
be a sign she is nesting.
It is
important that the baby hamsters are sexed and separated from each other
as soon as possible after they are weaned. The male babies should be
removed from their mother before they are six weeks old as they may father
half brothers and sisters with her. Female babies can be left with a
solitary mother indefinitely so long as she will tolerate them but must be
removed before they are six weeks old as well if the father is cohabiting
with the mother hamster. Unless of course you want a pregnant hamster
again!
To read
more about pet hamsters select a topic from the HAMSTER INDEX on the left
of this page.
