Can hamsters change their gender to mate?

Question
Hi Kelly, i recently purchased what i were told to be two Male hamsters.  Since, my one hamster has given birth.  I assumed that i had been given the wrong information but i have been told that it is possible for a hamster to change their gender in order to mate?

Answer
Hi Gemma,

Frequently, people who buy hamsters in pet stores are misinformed by the pet store people as to what sex their hamsters are.  This happens all the time, and many people end up in the same situation you're in - with a pregnant female.  Are your hamsters Syrian (the larger, more common type) or are they dwarves?  If they are Syrian, they need to be put into separate cages, as Syrian hamsters cannot live together.  If they are dwarves, then the male will help the female raise the babies.  However, they will soon mate again, and this cycle will be repeated several times.  If they are dwarves, after the babies are weaned, you can remove the male from the cage.  The male will need companionship.  After the babies are fully weaned off their mother's milk, you can put the male babies in with the older male hamster.  You can leave the female babies in with the mother.  This is a good living arrangement for dwarf hamsters.

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

Kelly