[PussCat]

and we dunno what to do lol.... don't know how old they are, but they're still very small and pink lol - didn't even know the hamster was pregnant!

Story is... we got 4 roborovski hamsters a coupla months ago, and were told they were all the same sex - female. Fine, we thought.... 'cept it turns out one was a boy - couldn't tell when we first got em but we can now!

Just found the 4 little 'uns (and a dead one ) when we were cleaning them out..... made sure we didn't touch 'em, but is there anything else we can/should do?

Guess we'll be looking for homes for em once they're old enough, too!

[Crystalpuma]

Hey, it's a bit of a lottery with hamsters I am afraid! Most make great mothers and you shouldn't need to do anything, except ensure she has plenty of food! The babies will need to be separated early to ensure they don't breed, think it may be as early as 6 weeks but don't remember! I will see if I can find a website that helps.

[PussCat]

slight development... there are now 5 babies!!

She's had another one in the last few mins lol - at least I guess we know now how old they are

[Jessie]

We had a rabbit that did that, I remember what a shock it was cos I was the one doing the cleaning out and when you aren't expecting them to be there it's like, Oh my god - Aliens

[Crystalpuma]

I have to go and practise a presentation now, but so far I have found this:

The female hamster was a good mother always taking care to keep the litter warm by brooding them. She'll carefully shred tissue paper provided to make a cosy nest. When the mother is nursing the litter, u can provide hard-boiled egg or cheese to supply extra protein and calcium. I found cheese most convenient and hygienic compared to even egg or milk. You can always remove uneaten portions to keep the cage clean.

The litter grew rapidly. Fur began to appear from 10 days on. The pups opened their eyes from about 14 days. By 20-21 days, they are weaned and fully furred.
Keeping the male with the female, after the litter was born will result in consecutive litters. This can put stress on the female due to the strain ofraising the pups. Even leaving the male in for 1 day, can result in mating and conception! This is due to the potential of robo's (and other Dwarf hamsters) to breed rapidly. In the wild, due to their harsh habitat, the hamsters have only one summer to breed.
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I haven't found at what age they become sexually mature but will be weeks away yet. Might be worth ringing your local vets as the nurses should know! If the male is still in there then the female is likely to be pregnant again as they become fertile again immediately after giving birth! If the male is very young he may be able to accept a new playmate (young) as they are not suitable for living alone usually.

This post has been edited by Crystalpuma: 03 April 2007 - 06:46 PM

[Spleen]

I thought this had top gear conatations!

Name one of 'em Spleen (the best looking one obviously)!

[PussCat]

at the mo they just look like little pink worms, but with arms and legs lol..... something only a mother could love

[girlracer]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

[PussCat]

no pics yet... don't want to disturb them!

[Crystalpuma]

My little hammy bit the dust last night but at least she isn't in any pain anymore. Good luck with the new babies, they sound cute!

[PussCat]

My little hammy bit the dust last night but at least she isn't in any pain anymore. Good luck with the new babies, they sound cute!

awww.... *hugs* but as you say, no more pain...

circle of life and all that...

[Crystalpuma]

Thanks! I had a little cry and then tidied up the cage so I wouldn't have to look at it empty. Luckily I had a really busy day (giving presentation - argh!) today so I didn't have time to get sad and think about her. I will miss her but only slightly sad now. Gave the gerbils a hug - gonna make the most of them as they're quite old too! Gotta love the small furries

[PussCat]

tried to get pics of the babies today.... but mum's having none of it lol..... ah well, don't wanna disturb her too much!

[Crystalpuma]

Aww bless, sounds like she knows her stuff anyway

Isn't nature brilliant?

[PussCat]

pics!

This is Dad - looking pleased with himself


One of the newborns - about 1 hour old!


The nest


Mum carrying one about


And one of the babies, at 2 days old

[cgandps]

awwww