baby dwarf hamsters lose their Mother

Question
Our Russian dwarf had babies (an unexpected event - we thought we had a pair of males). We are not sure exactly when they were born as she hid them in a sleep hut but think it was just over 2 weeks ago. They have been actively exploring the nest over the last few days and eating hamster food as well as suckling still from the mother. Mother unfortunately died today very suddenly with no obvious symptoms (possibly diabetes after some Googling?). She was only about 15 weeks old and very active. Will the babies manage without their mother's milk given their age?

Answer
Hi Katy

I'm really sorry to hear about your hamster. It must have been a real shock to lose her so suddenly.  Diabetes is very common in the dwarf hamsters (especially Campbells) but usually there are symptoms, such as very heavy water consumption.

Regarding the babies - as they are out and about exploring the nest they should be OK.  Younger than this is always a problem as in the first week or two they are totally dependant on the mum.  However, as each day goes by the greater chance you will have of them surviving.  

Have they got their eyes open yet?  This usually happens just after 2 weeks of age.

As they will not be getting the nutrients from the mum you will need to find an alternative.  Don't give cows milk as this is very difficult for babies to digest and can cause diarrhea.  Instead, you could perhaps phone your vet and see if they have some of the special powdered milk that is designed for orphaned animals - you'd need a very small amount of this (I think it comes in huge tins so perhaps they could let you have a small amount of it).  This could be added to water and given either in a dish or via a dropper for the next week or two.  If you can't get any of this, can you buy some of the powdered human baby food?  I find that the 'creamy porridge oats' is a favorite, especially with baby hamsters.  Mix a little with water and place in a low dish that they can reach.  This can be given twice daily until the hamsters are 6 weeks old.  As they get older you could try different varieties of baby food.  The powdered type is better because you only need to mix up the amount you want, otherwise if you use the tin/jar varieties you throw a lot away.  Also make sure they have the standard dry mix, seeds, nuts and a small amount of fresh vegetables.  You can also give tiny amounts of cheese and scrambled egg as well.

Can they reach their water bottle?  As they won't be getting fluids from their mum it is important they can reach the bottle.  Either lower it for them or pile up some bedding/wood chippings so they can reach it, rather than putting a bowl in the cage as this will just get filled with bedding.

Is Dad still in with the babies?  If so, he should take care of them.  If you have separated him out I doubt that you will be able to reintroduce him to them.  

At 4 weeks you need to sex them and take the boys out.  In theory the girls can live together in one cage and the boys in the other (with dad if he is still in with them now) providing they don't start fighting.

I hope this helps.  Good luck with this.  

Regards