How do I tell if my hamster is pregnant?!?

Question

I just got two new female hamsters and one is just really fat or she is pregnant. I got her from the pet store and they didn't say anything about her maybe being pregnant. They are both Fancy Hamsters. Please Help me!!!!!!!!

She is definitley a girl. I am not sure because I only got her about 3 days ago and they didn't say anything really about how old they are. I have tw females should I take one out if she does have the babies???

Answer 1

You really just have to wait and see if she delivers any. Most hamsters won't look pregnant until a few days before delivery. The visible signs are an obviously enlarged abdomen and swollen nipples. The day before they deliver, their activity levels increases significantly. Once they deliver though, you may never see her leave the nest (don't worry, she is). The most important thing to remember is that if she does have pups, don't disturb her or touch the pups until their eyes are open and they're walking around the cage. This means no cage cleaning either.

As for how long you have to wait to see if she delivers, your question didn't specify what species of hamster you have so this answer will be a bit long as I will address each of the species.

There are five species of hamsters commonly kept as pets. Only two of them have the same gestational time. The five species are: Syrian, Campbells Russian Dwarf, Winter White Russian Dwarf, Roborovski Dwarf and Chinese. A Syrian hamster is what pet stores always incorrectly sell as "Teddy Bears", "Black Bears", "Calicos", "Panda Bears", etc.. The pet stores create these "fancy" names to sell them for more money but they are all the same kind of hamster. Much like a chocolate lab, black lab and yellow lab are all the same. Or a blonde haired girl is the same as a brunette. Hamsters are the only species that I am aware of that has this problem. It is so exaggerated that most people think a "Teddy Bear" hamster is a different species than a "Black Bear" hamster. Unfortunately, it is not limited to Syrians anymore as I am starting to see Campbells being sold as "Blueberry" or "Blackberry" dwarves, but they are still Campbells.

So back to gestational periods. Gestate means pregnancy, gestational periods means the length of time of the pregnancy. The easiest one is the Syrians. They gestate for EXACTLY 16 days. I have never heard of a Syrian delivering even a day early. I have had over 300 litters and being one of the top breeders in the US, have almost daily contact with the other top breeders. Unfortunately, I have had around four deliver a day late. The ones that deliver a day late do so because there is a problem with the delivery. I have only had one female that delivered a day late survive. Since Syrians must be housed separately, it is very easy for a breeder to know when a female is mated because the breeder has to introduce the male and female.

Since you bought your her from a pet store and suspect that she's pregnant, she could have her pups from now until the upper most limit of the gestational periods listed for her species above. If that time frame passes, then she is not pregnant.

If she does deliver her pups you must leave her alone. Don't peek at the pups and especially don't touch the pups. The rule of thumb is not to touch or hold the pups until their eyes are open and they're walking around the cage. Picking them up before then could cause the mother to attack you, or much worse, the pups. I know it's hard and tempting to wait but once their eyes are open, you can play with them all you want.

Wean the pups when they are 4 weeks olds. If your female is tolerant, some pups may still nurse occassionally from her, even at 4 weeks. Don't worry about that, they are able to eat on their own by now and continuing to nurse at this point only adds strain on the mother. You'll want to wean them into two cages, one for boys and one for girls and then take them to the pet store or adopt them to friends. If they are Syrian hamsters and you decide to keep any, each Syrian will need its own cage as Syrians are solitary animals.
http://www.geocities.com/calhamassoc/SolitarySyrian.html

One other helpful thing you can do while she has pups is to give the mother (and the pups once they start eating on their own) some scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, dry kitten food and/or tofu. The protein and calcium in these items will be very beneficial for her and the pups. You'll also need to make sure that you lower the water bottle when the pups begin walking around so they can drink from it. Don't use a water dish as pups can fall in and drown.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 2

Well if she is pregnant(mine was without knowing it) She will make a big pile of shavings from the bottom of her cage. DONT EVER TRY TO STRAIGHTEN THEM OUT. Trust me, she will probably bite you. Does she bite often? If she does that means that her percentage of being pregnant goes up. Shes trying to protect herself by keeping you away. maybe you should call a vet, it won't cost anything. Explain your situtation and they should give you an answer. It is very easy for a female hamster to come to your home pregnant. It happened you me, along with a bunny on mothers day. I hope I helped! :]

Answer 3

It might be possible. If you notice your Hamster has a bit of a big tummy then yes it is definately possible your hamster is pregnant.

Answer 4

Don't know from experience, but here r 2 links for you to check out!...hope it helps

Answer 5

If its a girl she will gain weight fast and she will be protective

Answer 6

they get chubby and eat a bunch!

Answer 7

i have no idee ! but i want a baby hamster toooo ! please !!! I 'll be a good girl i never drink , smoke ..... etc! deal ?

Answer 8

try the h.e.p.t.


: )~