is my hamster pregnant?

Question
i have 2 winter white hamsters and they were both sold to me as boys, i've had them for about 4-5 weeks, so they're about 10 weeks old. One has recently started to get fatter and less active, i've heard that they can become pregnant after they are 1 month old. he seems to have a very sensitive tummy and has started to squeal when my other hamster nudges (gently) around his tummy. I have tried to sex them but they are not that keen on being picked up and my fatter one doesn't seem to like me putting my hand in and changing the food and water, even though he was fine with it when I first got them. Please help, I really don't want to be over run with baby hamsters!

Answer
Hi Rebecca

You may well discover that one is female, and she is pregnant - in fact this would be the most likely cause for the change in behavior and shape.  For now I think you should assume this.  don't over-feed her right now - just give the usual amount of food and this can be increased and supplemented with baby food if you discover a litter (I can advise you on this if you discover a litter).

How big is the cage?  Can you separate it into two sections?  if so it might be an idea to do this so that these hamsters can in effect live separately but in the same cage.  You might be able to put a wall of chicken wire or similar - just make sure they can't get into each other's side of the cage.  The reason for suggesting this is that the usual gestation period for a dwarf is 18 - 21 days, and pairs will mate again the day a litter is born.

If they are opposite sexes, then you don't want them together if a litter is born otherwise you'll find yourself caught up in a cycle of babies!  If, however, they are the same sex, then you don't want to totally separate them at this stage otherwise you won't be able to introduce them back to each other.

If there is no litter after 21 days of them being separated, then it is safe to assume that there is no pregnancy.  It is then a case of checking their sexes before you put the back together. If there is a problem handling either of them you might want to do this wearing gloves, and also get someone to help you. Ideally you need to roll each other over at the same time so that you can compare them - this is probably the best way to determine what sexes they are.  If they are both male, then they should be OK living together providing they don't fight.  Before reintroducing them you might want to swap them over to each other's side of the cage for a day so that they recognize each other's scent.

Regarding the larger one - if he is male then it is worth keeping a watch on him in case he displays any unusual symptoms.  It could just be that he is settling down and gaining weight, but it is worth looking for any signs that something is wrong - change in eating/drinking etc.  If he is still reacting if you put your hand in the cage, it is worth starting from scratch with taming him.  Rub some of his bedding onto your hands so that his scent is on you, then place a hand each side of him and quickly 'scoop' him up.  Immediately transfer him onto your clothing as some hamsters don't like walking on skin.  I never let a dwarf hamster walk onto my hand (I have been bitten once too often!)

If you discover one is female, then obviously you don't put them back in together.  if there are babies, any females from the litter can live with mum.  The boys can live together.  If you have managed to divide the cage so that dad is there and can be smelled through the wire, then you might find you can get any boys in with him - but there is no guarantee.  Introduce them in neutral territory.  Any sign of serious fighting/biting or bullying (one sleeps alone and is almost afraid to go near the others) then they should be separated.  Babies need to be sexed and separated at 4 weeks.

I hope this helps you and I haven't totally confused you!  Please get back to me if you need any more information or clarification.  if you find yourself with a litter, I can advise on rearing the litter - I would also let the pet shop know that they wrongly sexed them - some pet shops are very helpful in situations like this and sometimes provide a spare cage - others unfortunately refuse to accept any responsibility but they might offer to re-home any unwanted babies once they reach 4 weeks of age.

Regards
Sheila