Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell if my hamster is a male or female?
I just so happen to have a page that will show you! Just go to Sexing Hamsters.
How can I tell what kind of hamster I have?
There are 4 main types of hamsters, Syrians, Russian Dwarfs, Chinese, and Roborovskis. In the US, Syrians and Russian Dwarfs are most commonly found in pet stores. Syrians are the largest type of hamster, usually 4-6 inches in length full grown, and commonly referred to by other names such as Golden, Fancy, Teddy Bear, and Black Bear Hamsters. Russian Dwarfs are smaller and measure 2-3 inches when full grown, and unlike the Syrians, have fur on their feet and tails. They are also commonly called Siberian Hamsters in pet shops in the US. For more information on different types of hamsters, go to Types of Hamsters.
Is my hamster pregnant?
It is very difficult to tell if a hamster is pregnant until 2-3 days before she gives birth. At this time you will notice her storing lots of her food in her nest, and building a nice big comfortable nest for the babies. Her teets will be very noticeable now and her stomach will become much wider. A hamster's gestation is only 16 days, so if you think your hamster might be pregnant, you will know within 16 days. For more information go to
Breeding.
HELP! I just got a hamster and it had babies, what do I do!?
It's simple, nothing. Don't handle her, don't touch the babies, put her cage in a quiet spot, and leave her be. You should only disturb her to feed and water her. Do this for at least the first 7-10 days, then you can probably start handling mom again if she is okay with that. At about 12 days old the babies will start wandering out of the nest and searching for food (10 days for dwarfs). This is a good time to offer some greens (I use kale and they LOVE it!) to help them get more moisture as they usually can't reach the water bottle at this age. You still should not handle them much until their eyes are open at about 14-15 days old (12-13 days for dwarfs). When you do start handling, keep them over the cage because they WILL jump out of your hands. They have no concept of heights and are very flighty at this age. Once they get used to being handled they will settle down. Between 21-28 days they are usually ready to leave mom. Males can be separated sooner (about 21 days at the earliest) and females a little later (28 days at the earliest). For more information go to
Breeding.
Does my hamster want a friend?
Your hamster HAS a friend! You! If you spend plenty of time handling and playing with your hamster, you will be it's best friend! If you really do want to get another hamster, you need to consider some things. First, what type of hamster do you have and is it a social type? Syrians are not. They absolutely cannot live with another, they must live one to a cage. Why is there more than one in a cage at the pet store? Because they won't usually start serious fighting until 10 weeks old and older. Babies (under 8-10 weeks) can usually live together without any problems. They are solitary animals in the wild, one hamster to a burrow, and must live the same way in captivity.
Dwarf hamsters on the other hand, can usually live with another of their same kind. Opposite-sex pairs usually live well together and will both help to raise the babies. Also same-sex pairs usually live well together if from the same litter or introduced at a young age (under 8 weeks). Two adult dwarf hamsters rarely will get along. Sometimes an older dwarf will accept a young one however. If you are going to try this, I recommend having a second cage ready so they can be separated if fighting occurs.
My hamster seems scared or bites me, how do I tame him?
Unfortunately many hamsters in pet stores are not handled when they are young, so they are not very tame when you may purchase one. The most important thing to remember is to be patient, and take it slow. The first night you have him home you should leave him alone and let him get used to his new environment. Talk softly to your new hamster for the next few days or longer, and reach your hand in the cage slowly allowing him to get used to your voice and your smell. Offer treats so he gets the idea that your hand is a good thing! I usually put the back of my hand towards them so they don't feel as if you are going to grab at them. Preditors attack a hamster from the top, so if you reach over top of your hamster to pick him up, it's going to scare him. The best way to pick up a hamster is to take both hands and scoop him up from underneith. You will amazed at how much more relaxed this makes him. You'll need to hold him over the cage for the first several times because they have no concept of height, and will jump from your hands unpredictably. Hold the hamster for just a short while, 5-10 minutes each evening and you can slowly increase this time. Be patient, this could take weeks to tame your hamster. Also know that hamsters usually calm down and are not so flighty once they reach about 8-10 weeks of age, so if your hamster is younger than this it may take longer to tame. Good luck!
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