Like all babies in the world, newborn hamsters are very cute. And in the same way they need care. A happy mom obeys instinct and knows what to do. And how should the owner behave so as not to harm either the babies or the parents?
You need to prepare for childbirth in advance
Noticing that the female has a tummy, take care of her, and especially about the happy dad. The couple must be separated for a while. Being together can cost the male a life. Prepare the second cage. Wash it and disinfect it. At the bottom, put the material from which the expectant mother will build a cozy warm nest for her offspring. Straw works best. Do not use cloth or cotton wool, they are dangerous for babies. Newborn hamsters are very fragile, any thread can kill them. In addition, you need to follow the rules of hygiene, and in the fabric or cotton wool, various microbes feel very comfortable. Remember that little hamsters need shelter. And, of course, there should be a feeder and a drinker in the cage, but the female can do without toys for now, she will have enough lessons.
The straw may seem overly tough, but the female will chew it open and turn it into a soft bed.
Happy moment
The female will prepare the nest exactly at the time of birth. If there is a house in the cage, the hamster will go to give birth there, and in the first days you most likely will not see the babies. If there is no shelter, you will notice the addition to the family immediately. Do not count babies immediately after they are born. Mom perfectly knows which of them is viable and which is not, so in a few hours you may be missing a few cubs. No need to try to save them, this can destroy the rest. In general, during this period, you need to reduce interference in the family affairs of your pets to a minimum. Keep in mind that if the female is well fed, there will be fewer victims of natural selection, because she will be able to feed more cubs.
There can be up to a dozen hamsters in one litter.
Do no harm
Never touch newborn hamsters. A young mother's sense of smell is heightened, she acutely feels foreign odors that seem hostile to her. Therefore, she will most likely stop feeding the hamster that you held in your hands, and may even bite it. The best thing is to leave the family alone for a while and wait a few days.
Take care of your mother
Particular attention should be paid to the nursing mother. She must have enough food. Add vitamins to your regular food every day. There should always be fresh water in the cage. In the first two days, it is not worth doing general cleaning in the cage. After two days, the babies with their mother can already be transplanted for a while in a separate box or spare cage (but not to the father) in order to change the filler and straw. Thereafter, clean up the cage every two days.
Introduce complementary foods gradually
When the hamsters are a little older and covered with hair, start introducing complementary foods. Place some cabbage leaves in the cage. Kids will chew them with pleasure. After a few days, when the cubs are one month old, you can start giving boiled chicken. The portions should be small. Remove what the hamsters have not eaten from the cage. In a month and a half, the family will have to be resettled. The female can be sent to the male - now nothing threatens him. Babies are already able to live without parental care.
