Hamster breeding?

Question
Both my hamsters(male &female) escapsed my male has now got to
round circles on his back and my female has started to ack weird
and keeps cleaning herself even more than she used to and sleeps
more. could this be that they got to gether or somthing else?
(theyre syrian hamsters)

Answer
Hi Coral,

When a male and a female hamster escape at the same time, and their cages are pretty close together, then it's very likely that they got together and mated.  Your female hamster may be pregnant.  If she is pregnant, you can expect babies in about 16 days.  If she is pregnant, she will build a large nest and hoard food in it.  Also, around day 10, her belly will expand and her nipples will be prominent.

If you determine that your female is pregnant - A couple of days before she is due to give birth, clean the cage and remove the wheel.  Fill the cage with plenty of Aspen or Carefresh bedding.  (Avoid Pine and Cedar, which are dangerous.  Also avoid Bed Fluff.)  Make sure your female makes her nest on the ground floor of the cage.  When the babies are born, don't touch them for 14 days.

As for the male, the female may have been aggressive with him.  Do you notice that he is limping, or that there is blood, or there is anything physically wrong with him?  If not, then he should be fine.  If he does have something physically wrong with him, then you should take him to the vet.

Have a great day!

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

Kelly