Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Gerbils and Hamsters > two sets of baby hamsters

two sets of baby hamsters

21 13:32:26

Question
Hi, I believe we have 2 dwarf hamsters, now known to be a male and female.  Eighteen days ago they surprised us by delivering 6 babies.  Today, they double surprised us by delivering 4 more!  Someone told me they could be from the same litter.?  Should I separate the older babies from the newer ones?  Will Mama freak out from all of the responsibility?  Should we separate Papa from Mama and babies?  I'm afraid someone's going to eat these new babies.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Heya,
 Dwarf hamsters are known to breed...and fast! up to three days after having one litter they can mate and breed again, and the gestation period of a dwarf is about 18-21 days so chances are she had another litter of babies after the first lot.
  If the mother hamster can't cope, she will most likely dispose of the ones she cannot feed.baby hamsters wean at 21 days, so if you can leave the older lot in til then,do, but if you see that shes not coping,(ie chasing the 1st litter out of the nest) you can take the first litter away, they will be able to cope if you give them bread and milk.:)
  its up to you whether you take the male away from the female, the males have an important role in parenting the baby hamsters, if you take the male away, the female may not cope, but it will ensure they will not breed. or you can leave him in and risk having another litter. so you need to make this descision i'm afraid.
 i hope this answer your questions!
  suzi x