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.
The first question really is: why do you want to breed dwarf hamsters? You could find yourself with several cages.
When introducing a male and female it is very important you don’t put them together in the female’s cage. The best thing is to separate off the cage so that they can smell each other. Then every day mix up their bedding so that their scent is in both sections. After a few days put them together in neutral territory and watch them all the time. If they are OK, then put them together in the cage and remove the divider. It is difficult to know if they will mate immediately. Once mated, the usual gestation period for a dwarf is 18 – 21 days. Remember that they will mate again the same day she gives birth so unless you have separated off the male she is likely to produce a second litter 18 days later. If you do remove the male from the cage you can not put him in with any males from her litter.
