My panda bear hamster

Question
QUESTION: My panda bear hamster just had babies on 2/24/08 and she gave birth to them in the wheel that is on the outside of the cage(there is a slide that goes up to the wheel and it turns in circles as she runs) should I be worried about this or will she eventually move them out of the wheel? Also my husband and brother in-law saw here put one of the babies in her cheek that fell out of the wheel. When she got back to the wheel she took the baby out. Is this normal? This is the first time I have had a hamster that had babies I don't want to do anything to put the babies in harms way, The one thing I have heard is not to touch the babies.

ANSWER: There is a good chance she will move the nest, my female relocated her nest several times in the first 2 weeks. She will probably end up getting frustrated with the wheel and move her babies soon. This is why many sites tell you to remove anything not "baby friendly" before she gives birth, but hopefully it won't cause too much trouble. If she doesn't move them on her own, don't take matters into your own hands until the babies are at least 2 weeks old. If she does move them off the wheel, take it out until the babies are big enough to safely play on it.

Mommy hams do stuff babies in their cheeks for 2 reasons, transportation, and to hide them. She was likely just moving the baby, but she may also done it out of fear of people around the cage. She knows how to safely put the babies in her cheeks, so don't be alarmed. She will also move them by carrying them around by their neck in her mouth. It looks horrible, but it's very safe.

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QUESTION: I forgot to ask you one last question. When is it ok to handle the babies without fear of the mother eating or harming them?

Answer
2 weeks old, when the babies are up and walking, and it's safe to clean the cage. By that time the babies are much bigger and quicker, and moms rarely eat babies this big if she didn't already. I started handling my little squirmers at 2 weeks old. They start to get used to your scent and voice, it makes the taming process much easier down the road.