AboutSheila 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.
Question Hello there I don't think u remeber me but my drawf hamster gave birth a
week and two days ago so 6.16.09 and I was wondering when I can hold
her again before she got pregant and when can I hold the babies and
when I'm I suppose to seprate them frm momma and when do they need
there new homes ? Thanks alot looking forward to hearing frm u soon
Answer Hi Manny
You can hold mum now if you want to if she wants to come out but don't keep her away from her babies for long. I never handle the babies until they start leaving the nest which is around 2 weeks of age. As soon as you see them all walking out of the nest then it is a good time to start handling them - just for a few minutes initially, but increase the handling time daily. Also make a big fuss of their mum.
Regarding separating them - as they are dwarf hamsters the girls can remain in with mum, but the boys will need separating out when they are 4 weeks old. The boys can live together in a cage. Dwarf hamsters can be kept in groups (single sexed) providing they don't fight. If they do fight then you will have to either remove the trouble maker, or remove the victim. Once separated they can't be put back together again. They can be re-homed from around 5-6 weeks.
