thanks that helped but...

Question
thanks but i have a dwarf hamster not a syrian hamster (sorry i should have been more specific)my hasmter got a little pudgy in like 2 days.  i got her 3 weeks ago. so i don't think she is pregnant.  i got her @ petco. should i buy her mate @ petco. how should i introduce her? i don't want to keep the male so can i return him?  once she is pregnant how can i help her get comfy?  do i need a different cage(i have the sam jackeroo home and the sam palace kit)?

Answer
Hi Eileen,

You're right, she's likely not pregnant, as she would have given birth by now.  A dwarf hamster's gestation period is only slightly shorter than a Syrian hamster's.
It doesn't matter where you get her mate.  In fact, you may want to choose a different but equally reputable pet store.  If you go back to Petco, you run the risk of choosing a male that is related to your hamster.  Just make sure that your female is at least 3 months old-the same goes for your new male.  And once you buy the male, you really should keep him.  This is why it's a *huge* undertaking to breed dwarf hamsters - unlike the solitary Syrian hamster, dwarf hamsters that are breeding must be kept in the same cage.  The male hamster plays a crucial role in the birth and rearing of the baby hamsters.  Without the male, the female dwarf is likely to feel overwhelmed, and she may neglect the babies or even cannibalize them.  Also, the hamsters can can produce a succession of litters as little as 3 weeks apart.  And each litter generally consists of 6 babies, but it can also be as many as 14 babies.  You really must think all this - as well as the financial burden - over before you try to breed.
To introduce the male to the female - Before you bring the male home, clean out your hamster's cage as thoroughly as possible.  This way, there won't be a defining scent to make the new hamster feel threatened.  Also, wait until your female is in season; this occurs once every 4 days.  When you introduce the male, place him in the female's cage and just leave them alone.  Dwarf hamsters are social creatures and they should not fight.  They may tussle a bit, but there shouldn't be blood or very loud squealing.

I'm going to leave it at that for now.  If you still decide to breed your hamster, let me know and I'll be happy to answer your other questions.

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

Kelly