winter white hamster die after giving birth

Question
hi,
My winter white hamster has just give birth to 2 pups. She suddenly dies after 2 days of giving birth. What could happen? What should I do for the pups.

Answer
Hi Mich

I'm really sorry to hear about your hamster. It is difficult to know why she died.  Sometimes hamsters do die after giving birth but without a postmortem it is impossible to know the reason.

Regarding the pups, at this age they are totally dependent on their mum.  You might be able to raise them, but the next couple of weeks are going to be crucial.  Their body temperature can drop rapidly at this young age.  Are there any other hamsters in the cage with them - such as their dad?  If so, they should keep them warm.  If there are no other hamsters with them then it is vital they are kept warm.  Make sure there is plenty of bedding and place the cage somewhere warm.  You might have to get the babies out and warm them in your hands before placing them back in their nest.  You can buy special heat pads for animals (your vet can advise on this).  These are placed under the cage to keep it warm but be careful that if you place one under the cage that the cage doesn't get too hot.  Check the base temperature regularly to make sure the pups aren't 'cooking' in the cage.

You also need to get hold of some special powdered milk.  If you speak to your vet regarding this.  This particular type of milk is designed especially for orphaned animals (don't give cows milk as the babies wont be able to digest this).  You mix a little with water and need to give a small amount of this (through a dropper) every hour or two (including during the night!).

If you can keep the pups alive until they are close to 2 weeks then there is a pretty good chance of them surviving, but these next 2 weeks are going to be very difficult, if not impossible. With each day of passing you stand a better chance.   At 1 week the pups will be able to eat solids - such as seeds, bread, raw porridge oats and at 2 weeks they can eat human baby food (I usually buy the powdered type and mix a little with milk - creamy porridge oats is a favorite with hamsters).

When you contact your vet he might recommend euthanasia as it is very difficult to raise pups of this age because you need to feed them so frequently day and night and keep them warm.  I have never taken on this challenge but I know someone who did - they had an original litter of 8 and managed to save 2, so it is possible, but sadly you might find that you are unable to save them.

Good luck with this, I do hope you get on OK.