Syrian Babies :)

Question
My Hamster has just given birth to what looks like 7 Wonderfull pups. I'm very exited about it :) My question is: at 4 weeks, when they are seperated from the mum, is it completely nessacery to separate sexes, or can they all stay in one cage until they are 5-6 weeks old?
Thanks, i apreciate it ^_^

Answer
Hi

Congratulations on having a litter!  Isn't it fun looking after these little creatures.

At 4 weeks (or a day earlier if you're not exactly sure when the were born - i.e. if it was the middle of the night) you need to sex and separate out the boys.  The girls can stay with mum if you want them to.  This is fine providing the mum is getting on well with them and there is no fighting.  If the mum looks weak, like she needs her own space then she should go into a cage on her own.  Hamsters become sexually active at 4 weeks and whilst it is rare, it isn't impossible that if you don't separate them you could end up with a pregnant baby!

At 5-6 weeks they will all be squabbling - in which case this is the time to separate them.  At 6 weeks they all ought to have a cage of their own and can be re-homed.

Regarding feeding - I recommend human baby food to everyone!  This is a real favorite with hamsters - the creamy porridge oat variety of dried food.  Use water to make up a small amount each day - this gives them extra nutrients and helps them to put on a bit of weight.  Make sure they have plenty of hamster mix as well and fresh vegetables every day so that they get a well balanced diet.

Any problems, please let me know.

Regards