When will my hams give birth?

[fluffymunchkins]

The father will leave the nest just before the birth (the female usually kicks him out) which fits in with what you've discovered
Though dad can help to care for the babies, he isn't necessary to have a healthy litter and must be removed to avoid any more accidental litters. They can breed again immediately after the first litter is born, but the mother will usually allow herself enough time before breeding again.

Originally Posted by Amelioratione

And yes it is 2 weeks, I just read a seperate post by Souffle where she stated they must be left alone 2 weeks. And remember not to post pictures until their eyes are open.

In a seperate post by Vanilla-Yazoo, an experienced breeder (love me some Hush Puppy), She stated the following...

"first off, give her some nice protein food, boiled/scrambled egg, chicken/turkey (babyfood or fresh) porridge, i give cat biscuits too for calcium/protien.

nest, if she has not given birth, clean the cage, as if she dose, you cannot clean them untill all the eyes of the babys are open, sometimes 18+ days if the runt is behind.

remember not to touch the nest, babys or anything near them, My girl lucy gave birth last week, you can see my thread for comparison to a definite pregnant hamster. she will become larger on the hips, will give off a slight smell (nothing like heat level) she will get frustrated, dont handle her if she gets big like that incase you disturb her too much."

Dwarfs tend to develop faster than syrians so will sometimes open their eyes a few days before the 'usual' age of 14 days. It is ok to handle as soon as the eyes open as long as mum and babies appear comfortable. They will be like jumping beans so be careful Runts are less common in dwarfs as litters are usually small, but its always wise to watch out for any babies struggling.

Mealworms were a big fave with my mother and her pups x