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There are numerous things to consider if you are thinking of breeding hamster babies. One of which is the question of whether or not the pair of hamsters that you are going to breed are a good match in order for them to produce healthy and well-mannered babies. Ensuring a good match between the two breeding hamsters is the first step to the healthy propagation of your pets.
It is important to consider also the size, temperament, and overall health when breeding hamsters. Pair them carefully because both the good and bad qualities of the parents will be passed on to their babies, as well as both physical and mental attributes. Correct identification of the hamsters when breeding is also important, because some colors of hamsters create unwanted babies when bred together. For instance, there are instances of inappropriate breeding that could result in an eyeless baby hamster.
A breeder should also take into consideration and plan carefully what he will do with the resulting baby hamsters before starting out breeding hamsters. Consider first that anywhere from 4 to 16 baby hamsters could be produced by just a single mating. If you are thinking that your local pet stores can accommodate the babies your mated pair produces, think again. Pet stores have their own suppliers of hamsters, and most of the pet stores won’t rely on the surplus of just any reckless breeders out there. Before you start breeding hamsters, first contact your local pet stores to ask if they might accept any of your litter.
One of the contingencies that you can use is contacting a friend who is also into breeding hamsters. Make an arrangement to pair your hamster with his hamster and share half of the babies produced. Just make sure you mate only within the same breed; both Syrian and both dwarf hamster parents, as mixed breeding is not advised.
The ideal age to start breeding female hamsters is about 4 to 6 months. Younger than that, and you run the risk of having underdeveloped litters and will encourage the possibility of cannibalism. However, breeding later than 6 months can result in birth complications and defects. Male hamsters, on the other hand, are sexually active when they reach 6 weeks. But it is recommended to start them on breeding when they are about 2 to 3 months old.
Proper spacing of 3 to 4 months before giving birth again will decrease the mortality rate of the female hamster. This will give her body enough time to rebound and regain lost strength due to giving birth. This birth pattern is an ideal and healthy schedule for your pet and will most likely yield 2 litters from one pairing.
Syrian Hamsters on the other hand are treated differently when it comes to breeding hamster babies. Since they are kept in isolation, the owner should play match-maker during their breeding period. The female ovulates once every 4 days and only during that period – while they are susceptible and allowing any advances from the male – should you place the pair together. Otherwise fighting could occur.
You can tell if the female hamster is pregnant if she fails to come into season again within 4 days. The female hamster’s gestational period is only 16 days, and signs of being pregnant are visible 10 days after the mating. Her abdomen will be obviously bulging or distended, and her nipples will be distinct.
These are simply the basics that every breeder or would-be-breeder should know before embarking into breeding hamster babies. Breeding responsibly is strongly encouraged as hamsters can produce many litters in a short span of time.
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Source by Russ Fleederman
