A Hamster Pups Journey
By Luna Bug
So you think you are ready for baby hamsters? Well there are many things to consider first before breeding.
A female hamster should be bred for the first time between 3-4 months of age. She should never be bred for the first time after 6 months of age. And a seasoned breeding female should not be bred after she is a year old. Altogether she should not have any more than 3 litters, with at least a months break in between to rest.
Always have homes set up and a back up plan for the babies before breeding.
Make sure you have the time and patience to invest in baby hamsters.
Always remember that a good breeder strives to breed healthy friendly pets.
Research, research, research. Everyone has to start somewhere, but even a first time breeder should be well educated before breeding. Make sure you are prepared to deal with emergency situations.
You need to be able to deal with death, deformities, and cannibalism.
Only breed healthy male and female hamsters with known healthy genetic bloodlines/backgrounds.
Have a day practice Vet and an after hours Vet, that treat hamsters, picked out before breeding.
Have money to cover all necessary expenses, and all unplanned expenses. Emergency Vet visits can be very expensive.
Have extra supplies. Remember that Syrians can have up to 20 babies, and by 5 weeks of age they should all each have their own cage.
Hungry pregnant/nursing moms and a whole litter of babies will eat a lot of food! They also require fresh water at least twice a day, vitamin supplements, and special diets.
Pregnant or nursing females and their young need a special diet rich in protein, veggies and carbohydrates.
Hamster Meat Loaf
This recipe is great for pregnant females, nursing females, babies, sick/weak hamsters, and elderly hamsters, or as an occasional treat for any hamster.(note: This is just what I do...you can alter the ingredients, add ingredients, and/or change the measurments as desired. You can also freeze or refrigerate the recipe for extended use.)
- 1 tbsp of plain Oats
- 1/2 tbsp of low/fat free milk, or unflavored soy milk
- 1/2 tbsp of quality canned puppy or kitten food (I use canned Science Diet Chicken Recipe Puppy Growth)
- 1-2 drops of liquid vitamins specific for hamsters
- 1/2 tbsp of shredded carrots and/or broccoli (or any other safe veggie)
- a pinch of wheat germ
- add some clear unflavored Pedialyte for additional hydration if desired
