Mother hamsters just had pups

Question
My hamster just had babies two days ago unexpectedly I am worrying how can I check on the babies without disturbing the mother who sits in the nest and is not active at night? I think she is nursing the babies.

Answer
Hi Ashley,

In no way should you check on the babies at this stage, leave them completely to the mother. if you touch the nest or the babies the mother may reject them or kill them because she can smell your scent on them.

You can handle the babies for short periods of time to clean the cage when they are 2 weeks old. Start separating the males from the females at about 3-4 weeks of age.

Best of luck and thank you for your question.

Joanne x

p.s. the mother is fine, you are right to think that shes just nursing the babies.