https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/hamster/23-facts-about-baby-hamsters
*Hamsters may be tiny, but their care needs are important. The Hamster Education Hub walks you through habitat setup, handling tips, dietary guidance, and behavior cues - everything you need to give your hamster a safe, enriching home.
If you are preparing for the arrival of baby hamsters, it's essential to know what to expect and how to care for both the mother and her pups to prevent further pregnancies.
Baby hamsters, known as pups, develop rapidly, becoming mobile and starting to experiment with solid foods around 10 to 14 days old. By 14 to 17 days, their eyes will open, and their ears will pop up around 17 to 18 days.
Hamsters are weaned by about four weeks, with dwarf hamsters generally being weaned earlier than Syrians.
It is crucial to separate the male and female pups by four weeks to prevent unintended pregnancies, as dwarf hamsters can mate shortly after birth.
Syrian hamsters, on the other hand, should be kept solitary to avoid such issues.
As hamsters grow, they mature sexually at different rates.
Syrian hamsters can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 weeks, which makes early sex separation necessary to prevent continuous breeding.
By 5 to 7 weeks, long haired Syrians will start showing distinct fur differences, with males developing longer coats.
Dwarf hamsters mature later, typically at around 3 to 4 months, but litters can still be conceived earlier if the female is paired with an older male.
When it comes to housing, providing ample space is key - at least 450 square inches of unbroken space is recommended for a comfortable, healthy environment.
Additionally, ensure that the exercise wheel is appropriately sized to prevent injury, especially in Syrians, who need larger wheels to accommodate their size.
Chewy editorial team is here to guide you through what to expect and how to prepare when your hamster is pregnant, sharing 23 essential facts about baby hamsters to help ensure everything goes smoothly so everyone can thrive and be comfortable and healthy.
