Weird pregnant hamster

Question
my daughters hamster may be pregnant.she has 2 beds and covers the 1
she is not using,and is putting a lot of food in her cheeks and is
running on here wheel A LOT! what should i do? she is a teddy bear hamster who got very large after we bought her in late jan and early feb. can you tell me what to do?!?
send it ASAP

Answer
Hi Barbra


It isn't that uncommon to get a new hamster from a pet shop and find they are pregnant - unfortunately some pet shops can't sex them very well or they have been left in with the males beyond the age of 4 weeks at which time they can become sexually active.

However the usual gestation period for a Syrian hamster is 16-18 days.  As you have had her for longer than 18 days and there are no babies (I assume you've had a look in her nest) then she cannot be pregnant.  

Most hamsters relocate their nests and sleep in different places from time to time.  Also it is perfectly normal for them to pack their cheeks.  In the wild they live in a hot climate and sleep during the day time and at night they can travel for as much as 5 miles in search of food - this they pack into their cheeks and the reason why they have such large cheek pouches.  This behaviour is carried over into captivity.  This is also the reason why they run in their wheels so much as it is vital they get exercise.  Some do this more than others.

Her weight gain could well just be that she is happy and settling down nicely.  Teddy bear hamsters are known to be the larger of the Syrian hamster.  Her behaviour doesn't strike me as being unusual.  If you feel that there is something wrong then it would be worth getting a vet to check her out even if it is just to put your mind at rest.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Sheila