Prego?

Question
Hi Sheila,

Lately, I've been noticing that my Syrian Hammy is getting bigger around her abdomen, and she's been acting totally different. She normally wouldn't bite, at all actually, and she'll bite me whenever I reach in her cage to give her food or to take her out for her ball.

She's also been very jumpy and she's making more nests in her cage and storing food in different places.

She's sleeping longer during the day as well.

I'm just wondering if there's a possibility or her being pregnant, because about a week and a half ago she was with my male hamster when I was cleaning cages and they were starting to mate. And recently I tried putting her back with my male hamster a few times, and all she does is fight him.



Please tell me what I should do and if my Hammy is pregnant!! Thanks!

Answer
Hi Haley

there is definitely the possibility she is pregnant. The gestation period for a Syrian is 16-18 days.  I would advise that at this point in time you assume she is pregnant - until after the 18 days are up.

Move out any houses etc. from her cage.  It is much easier if she has a litter in the open or under a platform.  You don't want her having babies in a tube or small house.  Don't over-feed her right now - just give her the usual amount of food.

She will probably be drinking a lot more water now.  If she does have babies - if her wheel is one with a drainage slit or spokes, then remove it - babies can get caught in this.

I try to clean out the cage a day or two before a litter is due - but if you do this, make sure you give her back her nest and any food she's stashed so she doesn't get stressed.  Once the babies are born I never clean the cage out for 2 weeks (and even then I only clean out the dirty corner until the babies are 3 weeks old).  Babies must be sexed and separated at 4 weeks otherwise they can mate.

If she produces a litter, don't touch the babies - they are very vulnerable at this young age.  I normally start handling them when they leave the nest which is when they are about 2 weeks old.  You can give the mum extra food and also human baby food once the babies are born - I always recommend people buy a packet of the dry variety (creamy porridge oats) and mix a little with water. Don't use milk as it can cause diarrhea.  The babies will eat this too when they are a couple of weeks old.

Let me know if she produces a litter and I can give you step by step advice. Whatever happens, don't let the male anywhere near her or the babies.

Regards