I'd like to learn more about breeding Robos!

[genevieve]

At some point in the future, when I have more money and space, I'd like to consider breeding. Of course, there's a lot of research involved. Most of the breeding research I've done has been about Winter Whites and Campbells. But since I'm getting two Roborovskis soon, I have become interested in their breeding patterns and habits.

However, there seems to be a lot of contradictory information online.

I read one report from a former Robo breeder. This breeder said Robos are seasonal breeders, and only produce litters between April and September. She said they will only have 1 to 3 litters in a season and won't breed again until the next year. After these two years, she says the females become sterile. According to this breeder, the males are attentive and helpful fathers to the pups.

But then another breeder contradicted this, by saying that Robos will continuously produce litters every month if kept together, for about 2 years.

So as you can see, I'm not sure what to think. Anyone want to tell me what they know; either from studies, books, or personal experience? As much or as little info as you like is fine by me, I'm just curious and eager to learn more.

[internet_nobody]

If they are kept in constant conditions (e.g. a house with central heating where temps don't vary much) they will breed year round. If temperatures vary more (e.g. in a shed) then they seem to breed seasonally (avoiding winter). Assuming constant conditions they will produce young approx every 25 days (give or take), some regulate and will only have two litters back to back, others will breed constantly. I wouldn't be happy saying either way is the rule - but would err on the side of caution for the sake of the female.

When I breed, I tend to pair up when the female is 4 months old, then depending on the condition/age she becomes pregnant either leave the male in and then remove if she becomes obviously pregnant with a second litter (or if no second litter happens, move the male out with sons at 4 weeks), or if she isn't looking fab/is slightly older I remove the male as soon as she looks pregnant first time and completely avoid a second litter. The males are helpful fathers, so leaving them in can be beneficial (though normally ensures that there will be more pups on the way, which can be a big strain on the female). Alternatively other females will help tend to the pups and support the mother.

[genevieve]

Thanks internet_nobody, very helpful!

[MickyB]

What IN said is spot on. I would like to add.

1. where do you plan to get your Robos from? A pet shop or Recognised breeder?
2. What is your reason for breeding?

In my opinion breeding shouldnt be taken lightly. It requires a great deal of dedication and patience. The need to leave the nest totally undisturbed for 10 days once the pups are born is also a must.

[genevieve]

Well, as I said I'm not looking to breed just yet (I don't have the money or space required atm) and I may never breed robos. I'm just curious.

But if I ever do breed (most likely Campbells or Winter Whites) it will be for good temperament and health, and to generally improve the standard of hamsters in my locality. And my start up hamsters will, of course, be from respectable breeders.

[froggy901]

I've also heard someone on a hamster forum remark that robos can be known to 'court' each other for several months sometimes before they mate (or mate succesfully). When I worked in a pet shop I dealt with a woman who had been a little suprised that her 8 month old "same sex" robo pair had produced a litter. Having said that, I doubt it's the norm and probably would make sure I was prepared for babies to arrive sooner rather than later.

Have you decided whether you will be sticking to normal robos or trying out with some husky/white faced ones?

[genevieve]

Originally Posted by froggy901

I've also heard someone on a hamster forum remark that robos can be known to 'court' each other for several months sometimes before they mate (or mate succesfully). When I worked in a pet shop I dealt with a woman who had been a little suprised that her 8 month old "same sex" robo pair had produced a litter. Having said that, I doubt it's the norm and probably would make sure I was prepared for babies to arrive sooner rather than later.

Have you decided whether you will be sticking to normal robos or trying out with some husky/white faced ones?

As aforementioned, I may never breed robos. I'd need to learn a lot more first. But if I did, I'd probably stick to the normal colour simply because I prefer it But I would be open to other colourings. Theoretically of course, I haven't quite decided yet.

I've heard about robos "courting" too, it's quite unusual