Breeding Syrian, GH, TBH Hamster crash course

This will not be comprehensive BUT this will be essential and specific for Syrian Hamster. Syrian Hamster are AGAIN solitary pets (they want to live ALONE) one they reach maturity which is 2 months after birth. Breeding are starts at 3 months of age and safe breeding age is going to be 4 months. Yes, premature pregnancy CAN happen and this is DANGEROUS because it can kill your hamster.

Before breeding Syrians, here are some things you really need:

1. Prepare for extra bins.

If your keeping Syrian Hamsters in pair(which I do not suggest unless you are not a breeder), you should need bins not only for the male hamster but also for the future pups.

2. Reliable water bottle.

Less than 80ml water bottle will not be enough because you will not be exposing yourself to your pets for DAYS!

3. Very clean cages. 

You will not be able to access your cages for quite site sometime since your are not going to disturb your hamster.

4. Patience!

A lot of time, this is the number one problem with new breeders and that is excusable. I know that you are anxious what is happening to your pet and you want to know what is happening or you become too excited.

So set that aside, Here is my breeding procedure.

1. Keep the pair in a single cage for 2 weeks

2. Observe behavior. Bloody violence ( yes with blood ) you must separate but cat fights can be normal.

3. Remove male hamster after 2 weeks

4. Clean hamster cage every 3 days, use softer bedding(paper cuttings).

5. Daily checkup. Check to see if you already have the babies...
6. If babies born. Put 5 tablespoonful food and full tank the water

6b. If no babies born after 3 weeks.. Go back to step 1.
7. Hide the cage in a cool, dark and silent place.

8. DO NOT DISTURB. Do not photograph with flash! Do not peak

9. After 3 days, check for food and water.. Refill Quickly! NO FLASH! NO TOUCHING

10. After 1 week, you will have 70% sure of the exact number of pups.

11. After 2 weeks, you will have 90% sure of the population and you can 

feed them daily and also you can take pictures.

12. Weaning will take up to 3-4 weeks so it is ready for release!

How to know if your Syrian hamster is pregnant.

1. Increase water consumption

2. Food hoarding. They placed their food in a single location

3. Bell shaped lower body

4. Irritable (to some)

5. Breast getting bigger and darker

6. Nesting. Give toilet paper and they will create nest 

8. Avoids the male hamster in sleeping

More TIPS!

1. Malunggay leaves 2 times a week, before and after birth

2. Dextrose or Electrolyte powder can help ease stress to be mixed in water

3. Hamster can have up to 5 cycles per year for breeding (if you plan to be a breeder)

FAQ!

1. Average pups can be between 4-8pups

2. Mothers eating pups are normal for 2 reasons. STRESS and CAPACITY

3. Mothers will eat all her pups if she is under stress 

4. If she can not feed all her pups, the weaker pups will also be eaten
5. In-Breeding.. Is fine as long as no hereditary health problems found in parents