syrian hamster birth

Question
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Thank you so much for your earlier advice, but now I need help again.  All thirteen babies and momma are doing awesome, but the cage stinks. When can I clean the cage and when can i touch the babies? Can I start trying to leave them a little food?  They've been nibbling on momma's seeds today and one took a bite out of her cucumber slice last night.  Thank you again!

Answer
Hello again Lisa

Well it depends on how old the babys are. If they are two weeks old and have fur adn eyes open then I would rub my hand in the cage bedding adn pick them up one by one and put them in a contianer or spare cage with there mother when changing there cage. If they are younger then two weeks then just take some of the soiled bedding out of the corners except where the nest is and replace it with new bedding, if you do a full cage cleaning be sure to put the same nest back so she doesnt harm the babys if something doesnt seem right. You can pick them up if there eyes are open and they are walking out of the nest, just be sure to rub some of the cage bedding on the hand you are picking them up with before touching them, also be sure you hold them in cuped hands because they can run out of your hands before you blink at this age. Be sure to wean (take the babys away from there mother) at three weeks of age because they will all be able to breed within a few more weeks, they will start to fight with each other and the mother will get tired of them and may hurt them. Each pup will need its own cage at this time thou you can leave them together for another two weeks as long as they arent biting each other. They can go to there new homes at about five weeks of age, they are weaned at three weeks but the last two weeks get them used to being on there own and still being able to smell/see there siblings and mother.

Hope this helps if you have any more questions feel free to ask.