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Old 07-20-2012, 07:39 AM   #1
laurajaey
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Join Date: Jul 2012
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Question Breeding information please?

Don't worry everyone, I'm a beginner and haven't even had my first hamster for three weeks yet, so I'm not planning on breeding any time soon! And I know I can't because I bought Theodore from Pets at Home and do not know his background!

This is just a simple post, requiring ALL the information I would need to look into before even considering it. I'm not only interested in hamster breeding, I'm interested in the genetics etc, as I'm about to start biology A level, but we don't get to do anything like that A level so this is just for personal interest.

I don't want actual information, unless you're willing to give me it, I just want to know WHAT exactly I need to look in to!

I have read many threads in the breeding forum section and am just purely interested and have seen the dangers and risks from some posts on this site.

Any information or comments telling me where to get it and what exactly I need to look into will be very much appreciated

Thank you guys!
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I have one Syrian hamster named Theodore. I don't know his exact birth date, but with some educated guessing I would say it was approximately the 6th June.
I love him!

Last edited by laurajaey; 07-20-2012 at 08:40 AM.
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Old 07-20-2012, 08:02 AM   #2
Vectis Hamstery
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Default Re: Breeding information please?

I would recommend buying and reading Hamsterlopaedia which has chapters on genetics, colour combinations and breeding. The Midland Hamster Club website also has some information about colours, standards and genetics too. Also have a think about why you wish to breed and what you would be aiming for (the NHC code of conduct, found in the NHC handbook on their website, may help you there).

Before/during/after thinking and reading, I would also suggest going to hamster shows. Not only do you get to see the hamsters so you know what you are looking for (volunteering to steward is invaluable in being able to hear why a judge thinks what they do about a hamster), but you can also speak to breeders and ask questions as well as find good pedigree hamsters to start your breeding as and when you decide to proceed.

And whatever you do, always ask questions Well done for asking before acting.

ETA: to actually answer your question... The basic 'knowledge' to read up on and think about, I would suggest is:

Heath: Which pairings are 'safe', which are 'dangerous' (e.g. satin to satin Syrians), common health problems to look out for especially if any are particularly associated with the colour/species you are looking to breed, are there ways of screening for health problems (e.g. urine testing for diabetes in certain species), where is a local good vet for hamsters (I recommend a vet fund!). As well as general hamster care (housing, feeding etc.) for how to keep your hamsters healthy,
Colours/patterns: what the colours you want to breed look like, how to recognise them, what genetics create them, what problems are associated with them, which pairings are not ideal even though they are 'safe'(e.g. yellow and cream Syrians), how to select parents so the offspring improve the quality of the species
Breeding: what are your aims in breeding, what are your breeding ethics, how to pair the species you are interested in, expected litter size, care of mum and babies, sexing of hamsters, ages for rehoming/handling, ages for breeding and numbers of litters that are recommended, rehoming babies, how to find/screen homes, how will you house mum and babies if homes can't be found or if their owners no longer can keep them, how will you keep records of hamsters/pedigrees/health problems/sold animals

Oops, got carried away! I may have missed something which I'm sure others will point out if I have. If you want to see my breeding code it's here.
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Last edited by Vectis Hamstery; 07-20-2012 at 08:18 AM.
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Old 07-20-2012, 08:05 AM   #3
laurajaey
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Default Re: Breeding information please?

This advice is great, thank you..

Um, hamster shows? I'm in Northampton and I've never heard of this? I will google about them as I've never heard of them before so I doubt there is one in close range of me!
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I have one Syrian hamster named Theodore. I don't know his exact birth date, but with some educated guessing I would say it was approximately the 6th June.
I love him!
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Old 07-20-2012, 08:21 AM   #4
Vectis Hamstery
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Default Re: Breeding information please?

The list of shows is here: Shows and Results 2012 - National Hamster Council
Your nearest shows are Great Alne, Kingswinford and Coventry. You're in the Midland Hamster Club area if you were looking to become an NHC-affiliated club member.

I forgot also to say well done for not wanting answers, but wanting to know the right questions so you can find the answers yourself
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Old 07-20-2012, 08:30 AM   #5
laurajaey
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Default Re: Breeding information please?

Thank you for all the information! I'm now looking at what you've given information on!
I'm really interested in breeding, but I am a little gutted I can't breed my little guy (I bought him from a pet shop so I don't know his back ground!) as he's absolutely gorgeous, pure one colour cinnamon satin!
Oh well, I'm not going to risk any little lives!

Again, thank you for all the information!
__________________
I have one Syrian hamster named Theodore. I don't know his exact birth date, but with some educated guessing I would say it was approximately the 6th June.
I love him!

Last edited by laurajaey; 07-20-2012 at 08:39 AM.
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