holding

Question

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-----Question-----
hi my hamster has pups. sometimes it looks like she wants to come out of her cage, can i hold her. her babies are 3 days old. and by the time you mail me back they mite be 6 days old so pease tell me the how hamsters mature like day 1---- and on. thanks and please try to get back to me soon

-----Answer-----
Hi Lesley,

    You should not hold Mom until the babies are at least a week old. At this time you can take her out of the cage (if she wants out) for 10-15 minutes to hold her or let her run then return her to the cage. Make sure you wash your hands before picking her up. Do not touch the nest or the babies.
    At 4-6 days old, the pups will start to get their pigment. At 5-7 days the hair begins to emerge and the ears open and by 9-10 days the babies are covered in short fur and the eyelids are developing. At 14-16 days of age the eyes open and the babies are covered in fur. It is safe to handle the babies for short periods at this time and so the cage can be cleaned.
    At 3 weeks, the pups need to be separated from Mom and each other (boys in one cage and girls in another). At 5-6 weeks the pups are ready to go to their new homes.

    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and congratulations on your family members!

thanks but what is a pigment  

Answer
Hi Lesley,
 
    Pigment is where the pups skin may change, light haired hamsters have a pinkish color skin, Dark haired hamsters skin (pigment) will turn dark (like a light black color).
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing back!