My Pregnant Dwarf Hamster

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Dear Kelly,
   Do you remember my emails about Frank, my dwarf hamster? Well she is begining to gain weightnear her hips. She has been up a lot, running on her wheel, running around the cage, and cleaning herself often on her belly. Her belly is wet a lot, and it looks like some hair is missing. Are these signs that she is pregnant and may give birth soon? What are all of the signs before she gives birth?

Answer -
Hi Shelby,

Yep, I remember Frank and Joe :)

Frank may in fact be pregnant.  Gaining weight is a sign of pregnancy.  Pregnant hamsters also may clean themselves often on their bellies.  How long has it been since she has been in contact with Joe?  Dwarf hamsters are pregnant for 18-21 days, so you may be able to determine when the babies are due (if you determine that Frank is pregnant).

It usually takes at least 10 days for weight gain to show up.  Also, her nipples will be more prominent.  She will build a large nest and hoard food in it.  She may sleep a lot, as well.

Have a great day!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly


Dear Kelly,
    I had to seperate Frank and Joe again because whenever they were together Frank would chase Joe, and Joe would run away from her. Frank would try to I think mate with him again, and he would push her away and squeek a lot. I did this about a week ago, and every time that I would try to put them in the cage with eachother Joe did not want anything to do with her. I do not know what to do. Joe seems to be doing just fine alone, but Frank does not. I know that despite the fact dwarf hamsters are very social, and prefere to be in pairs, Frank seems to be that way; Joe doesn't. Is there anything I can do to help bring the back together? If not, when Frank has her pups, can I keep one of her female pups with her in her cage so she won't be so lonely?

Answer
Hi Shelby,

It sounds like Frank and Joe just won't get along, so you'll most likely have to permanently separate them.  Letting them live together for a little while, and then separating them, then letting them live together again just won't work.  In fact, it increases the chance that they'll fight.  So, they'll have to stay separated, since they won't get along.

You can try leaving a female pup in with Frank - sometimes this works.  However, if they start fighting, you'll need to separate them.  You'll just need to watch them closely.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly