Caring For Newborn Baby Syrian Hamsters

Question
Dear Karen, My hamster Peaches just had 5 or 6 baby hamsters and I didn't even know she was pregnant. I need to know when I would be allowed to touch the baby hamsters and what i should do with the ones I am getting rid of.

Answer
Hi Lauren,

     The babies need to be at least 2 weeks old before you start handling them. At this time it is safe to touch them for short periods of time and it is also safe to clean the cage. You should also be feeding the mother hard boiled egg and diced carrots. This will give her the extra protein she needs to help raise her babies. Make sure you remove Mom's wheel (if you haven't already).

     When the babies are 3 weeks old, they need to be seperated from their mother and and each other (boys in one cage and girls in another). You can continue to feed the babies egg and carrots, this will help them in their growth.  At 5-6 weeks of age, the babies are ready to go to their new homes.

      For the ones you are getting rid of, I would suggest talking with your local pet store about a week before they are ready to go to their new homes and see if they are willing to take them. Some pet stores will buy them and others will give in-store credit.

      If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and best of luck!