BREEDING SYRIAN HAMSTERS

Since Syrians are solitary animals, breeding is more difficult than with dwarfs, who cohabitate. Hamsters can be sexually mature as early as 28 days old. However, the female should not be bred until she is between three and four months of age. (Males should be the same age before their first encounter with a female.) If she is too young the result is generally a small litter, poor quality pups and a difficult time for the female. An older female bred for the first time may experience extreme difficulties at birth, occasionally resulting in death for the mother. Females can only mate during oestrus (when in heat or in season), which occurs every four days. Putting a male and female together when the female is not in heat could result in a fight. Females have been known to seriously injure or even kill a male if there is no intervention. (If squabbling does begin, separate them immediately and try again the next evening.)

Because hamsters are nocturnal animals, mating should be done in the early evening. (In the wild, they normally mate after sundown.) Generally speaking, a female in heat will be more active and will "freeze" (body pressed to floor and tail up) when her back is stroked. Never put the male in the female's cage - there is likely to be a fight even if she is in heat. It is best to place the male in a separate container with a small amount of bedding in the bottom and then introduce the female. If she is in heat, she will freeze, he will mount, dismount and wash himself several times. They should be allowed at least 20 minutes - unless one of them shows signs of loosing interest. (Be aware that there are probably as many different methods of breeding Syrian hamsters as there are hamster breeders, but this has have been proven to be the safest and most successful method for most breeders.)

The Syrian has one of the shortest gestation periods (length of pregnancy) of all animals - between 15 and 17 days. Normally, she will begin to show signs of "bulging" on about the ninth or tenth day. By the time she is near delivery, she will look like she is carrying fully packed saddlebags! Her environment should be stress-free throughout her pregnancy and for at least the first ten days after the litter is born.          

Breeding Dwarf Hamsters:

Unlike the Syrians, dwarf hamsters are sociable and can exist peacefully both in the wild and in captivity. They do well when paired up young and allowed to mature together.

Although some dwarfs may be sexually mature at 30 days, the Campbells, Siberians and Chinese hamsters will normally begin breeding when they are between 60 and 90 days old. Roborovskis are not as predictable, they have been known to produce their first litters from anywhere between 4 to 18 months of age.

The gestation period for dwarfs runs between 18 and 30 days, with 21 days being the average for all dwarfs besides the Roborovski which is normally about 30 days long. With all dwarfs, there is always the possibility that the pair will mate again within a period as short as 24 hours after giving birth to a litter. Other pairs have been known not to mate again until the litter is weaned.

Just prior to giving birth, the female Siberian, Chinese dwarf and Roborovski will chase the male from the nest for a few days of bachelorhood. It isn't very long however before he becomes a valuable contributor in assisting with the little ones.

The Campbells male, however, interacts from the time of birth and doesn't get these few days of rest and relaxation before being called upon to help with the young. According to a study conducted in 1998 by Katherin Wynne-Edwards at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, "Djungarian (Campbells) hamsters are paws-on dads.". Canadian scientists have observed the Campbells males helping tp pull babies from the birth canal of the mother, lick off birth membranes, open the pup's airways and then "share a snack of afterbirth with the mother". The report also states, "Djungarian fathers have hormonal fluctuations similar to the mother's around the time of birth. Estrogen and cortisol levels rise before the birth, and then fall away afterwards as testosterone levels rise. This does not happen in the closely related Siberian hamster."

Although most dwarfs are from the same geographic area, Campbells dwarfs are found in a harsher desert environment. As a result, it is believed that males remain in the burrow at the time of birth to help keep the female and young warm enough to survive. "We have hypothesized that becaue of the early hormonal changes, Djungarians would show the full range of paternal behavior," says Wynn-Edwards. "They did. Not only were they exemplary midwives," she added, "we saw the mother and father both holding the afterbirth with four little paws, sharing it fifty-fifty".    

How to Care for a Hamster 

With the right amount of care and love, hamsters can be a wonderful pet, and your best friend. 

Make sure you purchase a habitat for the hamster that is adequate in space and suitable for the hamster's needs. If you purchase a wire cage, keep in mind that most cages sold for hamsters are too small and does not allow you to put in all of its necessities along with toys and still have ample space for the hamster to explore. Cages sold for rats are suited for the Syrian hamster. Syrian hamsters love climbing and the tunnels that are offered in regular cages sold for hamsters are generally too small. Dwarf hamsters are best housed in a glass aquarium, as most wire cages designed for hamsters are not escape-proof due to the large spaces between the bars (don't buy a cage with more than 1cm of spaces between the bars).

You must house Syrian hamsters alone, as they are territorial starting at about the age of 5-8 weeks and will fight, often to the death or at least until one is seriously injured. Many Dwarf hamsters can be housed together, but remember that deathly fights can occur any time. Hamsters that accept themselves don't "play" with each other, they live in different places in the cage. If the hamsters sleep together, don't think that they became friends, it's just by instinct.

The hamster needs room for water, food, toys, and an exercise wheel suitable for the specific type of hamster that you want to purchase. On the ground, there should be a layer of at least 3 inches of bedding. Use CareFresh, CritterCare, or shredded paper bedding. Wood shavings are just not good for hamsters, as they cause many health issues and contain harmful oils.

The wheels that come with the cage are generally too small and isn't good for the hamster's back. Buy one that is minimum 20cm for a dwarf hamster and 28cm for a Syrian.

Make sure the cage escape-free! You'd be amazed at how clever hamsters are at escaping, they're like mini houdinis!. Make sure all holes are sealed (even if located at the top of the cage as hamsters are quite good at climbing), and make sure that no loose or removable parts can be removed by your hammy.Make sure that if you have a wire cage be sure they can't fit they will get stuck or could escape

Be sure that you have lots of toys for the hamster to enjoy. Toys such as toilet paper rolls, empty tissue boxes, tubes, tunnels, nest boxes, PVC piping, old slippers, hamster chew toys, and exercise balls and wheels are fun for your pet! Most hamster owners simply give the hamster a wheel and a ball to enjoy. As a result, the hamster will start to have unhealthy habits such as pacing and/or chewing the bars of a wire cage (if housed in a wire cage, that is). Hamsters need far more than wheels and balls to occupy them. Make sure you use the toys listed above for your pet. Have enough toys so that you can rotate them and keep your hamster interested in toys that have been reintroduced after a few days of being absent.

How to Play With a Hamster

Hamsters do not particularly enjoy being handled, especially for very long, but if you're careful, you can "play" with them, though to them it's really just taking away from their sleeping/eating.

Let him/her climb on you but be careful cause they have sharp nails. Have him/her climb on your hands by putting them one in front of the other. This is a good form of physical exercise especially when you have very limited room space.It will also help your hamster become tame.

Set up the cage. There are many different types of cages on the market. Some come pre-built with tunnels, running wheels, and homes which hamsters will love if filled with bedding (remember the good kind of bedding only please! No cedar or pine.)also, it will like the cage more if you put in some tunnels.

Give your hamster a lot of comfort by cuddling it gently. Do this everyday so that it will get used to human contact and won't bite! 

Make your hamster a maze, and guide it through with your hand or finger. Have a piece of fruit or vegetable treat to indicate that he has done a good job. Or each day move the treat a little further into the maze to train your hamster.

Treat your hamster. A perfect treat is cheese, most hamsters love it! Despite what some people say, my experience is that hamsters are not allergic to dairy products, (since my hamster's diet contains cheese and, so far, there have been no allergic reactions!).

Please remember that hamsters are nocturnal and do not take kindly to be woken up before 12pm. Your hamster will no longer be happy if it is awakened before being fully rested or has become exhausted from exercise, play, or too much handling.

Be ready for bites! A hamster may bite you unexpectedly sometimes when it is hurt, frightened, angry, sick or perhaps if it has been woken up really early. If it nips you, do not drop or throw the hamster even if you are startled! This would likely hurt your hamster. If the bite bleeds, calmly put your hamster in its cage, and carefully close the door. Wash the bite with soap, then put a bandage on it and you're good to go!

Help your hamster exercise. Hamster exercise balls are a perfect means of allowing hamsters and other small rodents to maintain their fitness. Put the ball (with the hamster in it) in a spacious room with no clutter. [Otherwise the hamster may become upset if it keeps bumping into objects.] Now your hamster can have fun rolling around without bothering people. Be mindful that your hamster's time in the ball is no more than 30 minutes maximum.

The kinder you are to your hamster the more respect and trust you earn. To be kind and caring is in your best interest.

A good toy for your hamster is to stick a toilet paper roll in his/her cage, or put a stick of apple wood in, your hamster will love to chew on it!

  How to Make Your Hamster Happy

Have you just bought a hamster, and don't know how to look after it properly? Well let me tell you a little on how to care for your new pet!

When you are at the pet shop choosing a hamster, the best one to choose is one which has bright eyes, not a runny nose, and clean, healthy looking fur. Check for any bumps. If you hamster you want has bumps on its belly or sides, this may mean that it has tumors.

While your at the pet shop make sure you buy these things: Woodshavings, soft bedding, quite a big cage but not too big! [a recommended size of 360 square inches of floor space.], a water bottle, an exercise wheel, hamster food [preferably Hazel Hamster or Carefresh Complete], and maybe some hamster treats and toys.

When you arrive at home you have to put the cage in a quiet room. Pour the woodshavings at the bottom of the cage and then place all the other objects in as well. You can finally let the hamster into the cage.

Let the hamster explore for a while to let it get to know were it lives.

The next day put your hand in the cage so the hamster can get your scent.

The third and fourth day start holding it. To hold it put both hands in a cup shape and let the hamster sit in it.

Start to hold your hamster everyday.

Make sure that the hamster has lots of exercise on it's wheel in his or her cage. In addition you may want to buy your hamster a exercise ball.

Make sure that your hamster is safe by checking everyday if he or her is alright. Check for bumps, bright eyes, and a runny nose. Check for cuts or bruising or anything out of the ordinary.

Good luck with your new pet!

 How to Make You Hamster Trust You

Always remember, when you work with your hamster, that your hamster is much smaller and more sensitive than you. You can still become great friends though. Here is how to get your hamster to trust you. You could always try to just talk to it so it gets used to your voice and you or tell the hamster how much you love him/her.

 

Give your new hamster plenty of time to adjust to its new home, at least 2 days. Be patient, and don't be in a rush to handle your new friend. Simply put it it its cage and leave it alone to explore its new home and get used to its surroundings.

• Supply plenty of bedding (not cedar or pine shavings as these shavings could cause respiratory problems for your hamster) , plus a little bedding it might have already been using and a hiding place or two.
• Keep food and water in the cage with your hamster. It will go a long way toward keeping your hamster happy and comfortable.

Put your hand by the cage with its favorite treat in your hand. Hold still and let the hamster approach you. Give it a few treats this way, over the first few days.

Start handling your hamster without picking it up. Pet it gently and give it a treat.

Scoop your hamster up with both hands in a cup shape. When your hamster is fully on your hand, raise it up slowly and pet it a couple of times. If it is trying to bite you, put it back in its cage and reward it again. Do this over a table or on your bed in case you accidentally drop it.

Do this every time you want to get it out of its cage, and never try to pick it up with your hands. Pretty soon, it will walk on your hand without you giving it a treat.

Respect the hamster's space. If you have given the hamster a cave or hideout in its cage, avoid disturbing the hamster when it is in this space. Also, try not to disturb the hamster when it is asleep.

Whisper to your hamster nicely so it feels safe.

Don't name your Hamster ethnically unsuitable names as this will create an identity crisis for your pet hamster. Milton will do just fine as a hamster name. Or Harold.

Tips

• Be careful picking the hamster up with your hands.
• Never squeeze it, or trap it with a cup.
• Hamsters have really fragile bodies. Try not to drop it if it bites you.
• Avoid sudden or large motions, and don't make loud or sudden noises, especially as you begin to establish trust.
• Make sure that your hands do not smell of food (this may be the reason for it trying to bite).
• If they are not comfortable near you after a few weeks, just keep petting them and give treats as you go. Soon, the hamster will know you mean no harm and want to be friends.
• Be nice to it and give it some food at least once-a-day so it will be more comfortable and will feel safer and happier.
• Chinese hamsters are a good species of hamsters they are really nice and behave well too :)

Warnings

• When you have a new hamster, don't try this right away. Leave your hamster alone for two or three days before you try to play with it.
• Always keep a close eye on your hamster. Avoid letting it run around loose in the house. Hamsters are very fast and small. They can be hard to find if they escape.
• Do not feed your hamster too many treats.

Is a Hamster the Right Pet for You?

It can be tempting to acquire a hamster on impulse. After all, these little guys are the picture of cuteness: small, round, furry, and inquisitive. A great starter pet, right? Not at all! Here are some important questions to consider before you dive headlong into a relationship.

What type of schedule do you keep?

Hamsters are nocturnal, which means they will be most active at night. If you're a light sleeper who is disturbed by the smallest of sounds, a squeaky wheel at 2 a.m. might drive you to distraction. If you work a graveyard shift and are looking for furry companionship during the day, hamsters are bound to frustrate your expectations. But if you're a night owl, a hamster could be the perfect companion when you're burning the midnight oil!

Do you have children?

Because of their small size, hamsters are often purchased as pets for children who want to play with them during the day. However, just when it's time for your child to go to sleep, it's time for a hamster to wake up. A hamster awakened suddenly from a nap during the day may bite. Therefore, hamsters need to be handled only with adult supervision by children under 8 years old.
Hamsters require a gentle touch and may be easily startled by sudden movement and loud noises. The motor skills of children under 8 are usually not refined enough to make a hamster feel comfortable being handled. Young children who lack fine motor control and self-restraint may inadvertently drop a hamster, squeeze him, or scare him into biting.
Young children are also at greater risk for zoonotic diseases (diseases that are can be passed from animals to humans) because of their undeveloped immune systems and because of their tendency for close contact with pets without proper hand-washing. Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of salmonella, a type of intestinal bacteria that hamsters can carry. Although rare, hamsters have been known to carry Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a virus that can seriously sicken young children.

Are you pregnant? Do you have a weakened immune system?

Hamsters can carry salmonella, an intestinal bacteria that causes short but intense bouts of sickness in healthy adults. However, it can produce more severe problems if a pregnant woman passes it to her unborn child. Salmonella can also seriously sicken a person who's already in a weakened state from other health conditions.
Hamsters have been known to carry a virus called Lymphocytic choriomeningitis. In healthy adults, this virus causes flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, it can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child and can produce severe illness in people with compromised immune systems.

How much space to you have? 

Syrian hamsters are solitary, territorial animals who must have their own space in which to live. Hamsters will fight and inflict serious injuries to each other if housed in the same quarters, so each must have his or her own separate space. A female who gives birth may kill and eat her babies if disturbed, and allowing hamsters to breed is not recommended. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, may be able to live together if introduced properly.

What's your budget?

The adoption fee or purchase price for a hamster is typically small, but there are startup costs and ongoing needs to anticipate. The initial purchase of equipment and supplies is likely to include:

• Wire cage aquarium or modular habitat
• Bedding and nesting materials 
• Nesting box 
• Exercise wheel 
• Food dish 
• Water bottle 
• Hamster chow
• Treats 
• Toys 

Are you prepared to spend several hundred dollars a year on your new friend, not including veterinary costs, if your hamster develops a chronic condition like diabetes or requires emergency treatment?

Do you have time for a hamster?

Hamsters are fairly independent and can entertain themselves for extended periods of time, provided their housing is properly enriched with toys, bedding, and opportunities for burrowing and climbing. Still, to be happy and well-adjusted, your hamster should receive daily handling and interaction. Keep in mind that you'll need to thoroughly clean your hamster's cage every week.

Are you ready for the commitment?

The average lifespan for a hamster is 2.5 to 3 years, with slight variations among species. If you can't make a long commitment to a pet, this characteristic may be appealing. But if you have young children and aren’t prepared for them to experience the death of a pet, you may prefer a longer-lived animal.

Do you live in Hawaii?

It's illegal to own pet hamsters in Hawaii. The climate is similar to hamsters' natural desert habitat, and agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped hamsters could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.