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About Sheila Adby
Expertise
Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com

Experience
I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com

Publications
Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)

Education/Credentials
Educated to A Level standard in the UK.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Gerbils & Hamsters > Pregnant Hamster

Gerbils & Hamsters - Pregnant Hamster

Expert: Sheila Adby - 11/3/2009

Question
I don't know if my hamster is getting ready to have babies or not because she is licking her female part and is licking under her. Can you tell me if she is going to have a baby soon because she is really unusually fat and is acting very strangely and is sleeping a lot more than she usually does. Is she going to have a baby soon?

Answer
Hi Marjorie

Apart from her change in behavior why do you think she is pregnant? Have you mated her? What type of hamster is she? If she is a Syrian the usual gestation period is 16-18 days, if she is a dwarf the gestation period is 18-21 days.

Often you don't know for sure that they are pregnant until a day or two before they give birth at which time you can often see a 'bulge' on their hips. This is especially noticeable if they stretch up the bars as the bulge remains, whereas if it is just fat the bulge will disappear.

If you think there is a good chance she is pregnant it is vital you don't over-feed her right now. Just give her the usual amount of food and if a litter appears increase her food then. At that point you can feed human baby food (buy a packet of the powdered creamy porridge oats and mix a little with water) - if you give her about a teaspoonful a day plus her usual food. When the babies reach 2 weeks old and are leaving the nest they can eat this too along with their usual dry mix and fresh vegetables. This helps give extra nutrients and is good for the first 6 weeks of their life.

Also, it is advisable to remove any tubes, houses or enclosed objects close to the time she might give birth. This is because it is much less stressful all round if the babies are born either in the open or under a platform rather than in a tiny space. If the wheel she has is the type with bars or a drainage slit, also remove this as it can be dangerous for babies. Instead you need a few solid wheels so that all the babies can have a run when they are about 3 weeks old. Bedding-wise - don't use the fluffy type as hamsters can get this caught around their legs and this can result in an amputated limb. Instead use the shredded paper type.

I hope you get on OK and that this helps.

Regards

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