Baby Questions

[erin]

Hey guys, I had a surprise litter of dwarves almost 2 weeks ago (I had purchased a new hamster a couple weeks before that). Luckily I had done some reading and knew how to handle the situation. As far as I can tell she only had 2 pups, however she may have culled some shortly after they were born as she herself is very young.



My question is, at 15 days old, they seem to have been weened and made their own nest last night. Is this normal for dwarves and should I be seperating them tonight? Thanks guys!

[Emma]

2 would be a very small litter, I guess it's possible but you're right she may have culled some. I'd leave the pups in for another week, as long as there was no violence in the cage, and take them out and sex them at three weeks - they'll still be taking some milk from mum at this stage even if they're also taking solid food. Hopefully at least one of them will be a girl and could stay as company for mum?



Are these Sass's babies that you mentioned in your intro post - was the other hamster in with them when you discovered the surprise? Hamsters often mate as soon as they have given birth, so if Dad was still around at that time you may be in for another surprise in a week or so.....just a warning!

[erin]

I'm hoping one will be female so I can give Sass some company. If not, I do have hammie friendly homes arranged for both little munchkins when they're old enough. A co worker of mine recently lost her syrian (old age) and her daughter is very excited about having a baby dwarf :o) I know that Kodee would love it to pieces and for me, that means the little one would have a very happy and caring environment :o)

[Emma]

If they're both males, they can (and should) stay together, as dwarves are a social species and do much better in pairs or small groups. You could even try introducing them both to Frass as company for him. It'd be ideal if it was one boy and one girl, then Sass could live with her daughter, Frass could live with his (possible) son and everybody's happy!



Have a look at the sticky on this board for pictures of how to sex the hamsters.