is she pregnant?

Question
QUESTION: i bought my a son a much longed for campbells dwarf hamster for his birthday 8 days ago, well yesterday i woke up to her having made a big nest away from where she normally sleeps, she seems more active and is eating and drinking more, it's hard to tell if she has put any weight on and i can;t see her teets protruding on her belly, may she be pregnant? her mood hasn't changed she is still wanting cuddles and strokes thanks michelle

ANSWER: Hi Michelle

There is a chance she is pregnant.  Gestation period for a Campbell is usually 18-21 days so you'll need to wait a bit to find out for sure.  They don't always show they are pregnant until very close to the day they give birth.  In case she is pregnant, don't over feed her - just give her the usual amount.  If she is pregnant you don't want her babies growing too large inside her otherwise it can cause problems.  You can give her extra food (including human baby food - once any babies have been born to help maintain her strength.) If you go beyond the 21 days since you got her, then you're safe!  If she does produce a litter then it is important that the babies are sexed and the boys separated out at 4 weeks or a day or two before this.  The boys will be able to live together and the girls can live with the mum providing they don't fight in which case they'd need separating.  

Good luck with this.
Regards

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i thought i heard a couple of tiny squeeks this morning, but i don't know if i am imagining it!! i can't see any movement in her nest and she did come out and feed for a couple of minutes , i would have thought she may have stayed in the nest if just given birth? how will i know for definate she has given birth, any tell tale signs to look out for?? thanks michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle

When she comes out of the nest you could very gently have a look in it.  Don't open the nest completely as new borns can get cold very quickly, also you don't want to spook your hamster.  If there are babies and you accidentally touch any, I suggest you gently place your hand over the whole nest so that your scent is everywhere.  Talk to the mum while you're doing this so that she feels safe.  Don't take the babies out of the nest - they can die very quickly if they get cold.  They shouldn't really be handled until they are 2 weeks old.

Hamsters do tend to stay in the nest a lot more when there are new borns.  They also tuck the nest in when they leave it to go and get food.  Sometimes there will be a trace of blood on the bedding.

Regards