syrian pregnant hamster

Question
I have a pregnant hamster and after one day from the birth she eats the litter. I would like  to know the reason why she's doing this.

Answer
Hi Rose

Sorry to hear you're having problems with the litter.  There is no simple explanation why a hamster kills her young - the main reasons are that she is scared, feels threatened, is worried there won't be enough food/space for the babies or one of them is ill.  sometimes if they are startled in the nest they 'pouch' their babies - often the babies are fine providing the mum takes them out of her pouch fairly quickly.

Is your hamster's cage in a quiet location?  Are there any other animals in the house that could be  pestering her or frightening her, i.e. dog or cat?  How old is the mum? Hamsters can fall pregnant any time from 4 weeks old, if this is the case the mum can be very immature and not know what she's supposed to do.  Also, if you touch the newborns, so that your scent is on them, the mum can single out that one and kill it.  therefore it is very important not to do this - if your scent does accidentally go on one of the babies, gently rest your hand on the others including the mum and touch all their bedding so that your scent is everywhere, rather just on one baby.

Providing you've taken all the necessary steps to avoid this happening, sadly, if the mum decides to kill her young there is nothing really that can be done. They will not survive without her at this young age.  

I've currently got a hamster who was the sole survivor of a litter of 6.  The mum just didn't want them, and whilst she didn't kill them directly, she abandoned them.  Fortunately, this one could just about get enough nourishment from her to keep her alive for a couple of weeks, at which time it is possible to intervene a bit and give human baby food and/or special milk (that you get from the vet that is designed for orphaned babies).  She was tiny, and had serious mental problems, but at 3 months old she's finally calming down a bit.

I do hope this experience hasn't put you off having a hamster.  I would strongly advise that you do not mate this female again as she could have some mental issues which is why she is killing her young.

Regards