Hamsters are small, cute and friendly animals that make great pets. They are easy to care for and do not require much space. Are you a hamster enthusiast and want to take your hobby to the next level?
Breeding hamsters may be an option for you. However, breeding hamsters is not a simple task and requires a lot of knowledge, patience, and dedication. In this guide, we will go through the process of how to breed hamsters.
This includes procuring the necessary equipment, preparing the breeding pair, caring for the pregnant female, and raising the newborns.
Equipment
Before you start breeding hamsters, you need to have the proper equipment. The first thing you will need is a cage for the breeding pair. This cage should be large enough for the hamsters to move around comfortably and have separate areas for sleeping and nesting.
It is also important to provide a nesting box for the female to give birth in. A water bottle, food dish, and a small container with a lid should be used as a hospital box.
Preparing the Breeding Pair
When choosing a breeding pair, it’s important to select healthy and mature animals. Female hamsters reach sexual maturity at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. In contrast, males reach maturity at around 4 to 5 weeks of age.
It’s also important to make sure that the breeding pair is compatible and that they are not related. Inbreeding can lead to health problems and genetic defects in the offspring.
Caring for the Pregnant Female
Once the female is pregnant, it is important to provide her with a comfortable and quiet place to nest and give birth. The nesting box should be lined with soft materials such as tissue or paper towels.
The temperature in the cage should be kept at around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The female should also be provided with a diet high in protein and calcium to support the growth and development of her pups.
Giving Birth
The gestation period for hamsters is approximately 16 to 18 days. During this time, the female should be left alone and not disturbed. When the time comes for her to give birth, she will typically retreat to the nesting box and give birth to a litter of pups.
The number of pups in a litter can vary, but it is typically between 4 to 12. Interestingly, the most number of baby hamsters in a litter was 26, born in Louisiana, USA.
Caring for the Newborns
The mother will take care of the pups. However, it is important to keep an eye on them to make sure they are healthy and getting enough milk. The pups should be checked for any signs of illness or deformities.
Remember, that any sick or weak pups should be removed and placed in the hospital box. The pups will be weaned at around 3 to 4 weeks of age and can be separated from their mother at around 4 to 5 weeks.
Socialization
It is important to handle the pups frequently to get them used to human interaction. This will make it easier to handle them and take care of them in the future. The pups can be handled gently, and they should be held close to your body to keep them warm.
Feeding the Pups
When the pups are ready to be weaned, they should be provided with a diet that is high in protein and calcium. You can feed them a commercial hamster food or a varied diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and cottage cheese are essential for a hamster’s growth.
Housing
When the pups are old enough to be separated from their mother, they should be housed in their own cage. The cage should be large enough for the pups to move around comfortably.
Moreover, it should have separate areas for sleeping and nesting. It is important to provide a nesting box for each pup. Do ensure that the cage is kept clean and free of any potential hazards.
Sexing the Pups
It can be difficult to determine the sex of a hamster pup. However, by the time they are 4-5 weeks old, it should be possible to determine the sex of the pups by looking at their genital area. Male hamsters have a noticeable bump, while females have a more rounded shape.
Selling or Rehoming the Pups
When the pups are ready to be sold or rehomed, it’s important to make sure they are healthy and well-socialized. It’s also important to educate the new owners on how to take care of the hamsters. Make sure they are going to a responsible and loving home.
Final Thoughts
Breeding hamsters can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of knowledge, patience, and dedication. It’s important to have the proper equipment and to choose a compatible breeding pair.
It’s also important to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the pregnant female. This allows her to care for the pups properly. By following this guide on how to breed hamsters, you will be able to successfully breed and raise happy hamsters.