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Gerbils & Hamsters/when can i hold my baby hamsters

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Expert: Sheila Adby - 10/1/2007


Question
i have a syrian hamster and it has had 5 babys when will they come out of the bed and when can i hold them.

Answer
Hi Ethan

The babies will start leaving their nest when they are about 2 weeks old.  To start with the mum will be very stressed and will drag them back into the nest, but after a day or two of this she will give up as she realizes she's lost control of them.  At this time it is safe for you to handle them - be careful as they are very jumpy at this age.  Handle them over the cage so that if they fall, they won't hurt themselves.  You only want to handle them for a few minutes at a time, but each day you can increase this.  By the time they are 3-4 weeks old they should be tame - at this time, the more you handle them the better.

Remember you need to sex and separate them at 4 weeks - the girls can stay with mum but the boys need their own cage.  At 6 weeks they can be re-homed and will all need their own cages.

Regards

Whereabouts do you live?  I'm in the UK - if you are in the S/E England/Kent/London area I might be able to help you.

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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.

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