worried about my girl - possible back to back pregnancies.

abagel84 · 08-23-2012, 10:02 PM

*I hope I'm posting this in the right place. If not, sorry!*

hello-

My female russian dwarf hamster had a litter of pups two weeks ago today, and so far things have been great. (well, not entirely great, but that's a long story.) to be more specific, things have been great as far as mom being nurturing and attentive with her pups.

the problem is that ever since two days ago, she hasn't been wanting to nurse the pups. I know she can't nurse them forever (obviously), but I wasn't sure if this would be harmful to them. the pups still try to latch on to her every chance they get, but she doesn't seem to want to feed them anymore. she's never been nasty to any of them, and she'll still let them crawl underneath her to sleep, but she definitely doesn't want to nurse them. Is this normal? do the pups just need a few days to realize they need to just eat food for nutrition? I just don't want them to be malnourished.

any advice/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thank you!!

- Andrea.

**Pompompoms** · 08-24-2012, 04:22 PM

Mum will be encouraging them to feed less and eat more now, but she is usually feeding them still at two weeks, are you sure she's not feeding them at all?

abagel84 · 08-24-2012, 10:28 PM

Hi, thanks for responding.
I suppose it's very possible I could be off on how old they are. They were a complete surprise, as I thought both hamsters were females. I found them two weeks ago today, but they looked so tiny and pink that I assumed they couldn't be more than a day or two old. If they're closer to three weeks, would it make more sense that she doesn't want to feed them anymore? Also, I think mama is pregnant again. I removed dad once I read that they mate again soon after she gives birth, but again, I can't be sure how long it had Bern since they were born. Would mama stop nursing if she was pregnant, or close to giving birth? She looks really fat near the stomach all of a sudden... and she's nesting big time.

abagel84 · 08-24-2012, 10:44 PM

long story short- one of my hammies unexpectedly had a litter approximately two weeks ago. I say approximately because I have no idea when she gave birth. (she had them hidden pretty well.)
well, I think she's pregnant again. I took dad out after I found the pups, but that very well could have been a few days after they were born.
I have noticed her tummy looks very round, and she's been nesting like crazy today.

Anyway, I'm worried about her health, considering she just had a litter no more than three weeks ago. I wish I would have gotten the dad out sooner, but I just had no clue he was even a male, let alone that she had just given birth. Is there anything I can do to give her extra comfort and care? Special food? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thank you!

shiny · 08-25-2012, 02:53 PM

I hope you can get advice from an expert on breeding on here, I'm not one as I only have boys but have noticed people suggesting bits of boiled egg as a good boost food for hamsters, try a quick search in the nutrition section. Good luck

abagel84 · 08-25-2012, 09:26 PM

Thank you. She was further along than I thought, as she just gave birth. The weird thing was that she was nursing the new AND the old litter together. I removed dad already, and the other pups, to give her some privacy. She looks good, and seems to be handling everything just fine.

Lougarry · 08-25-2012, 11:48 PM

Commercial baby food is good too. Look for one with no onion or garlic. You can spoon portions into an ice cube try, cover with Saran wrap and freeze.

shiny · 08-26-2012, 09:58 AM

Wow - loads of baby hamsters! Glad they are all looking ok

fluffymunchkins · 08-26-2012, 10:07 AM

Glad to hear both litters have arrived safe

Unfortunately, they will breed back to back if they feel they can handle it, but obviously its not good for their health. She will look after both litters together and you may even find the older pups helping out/
Lots of dried mealworms, boiled chicken, peanuts for fat and protein.

Sending my best for her x

**Pompompoms** · 08-26-2012, 04:22 PM

You have your answer now! Give her a lot of protein foods as the two litters so close will take an awful lot out of her. I see you've taken all but the littlest one out, she should hopefully be fine. Keep everything very quiet and peaceful, and hope for the best!

I have merged the threads in this section abagel84 so people can keep up with what's going on with your little ones, and keep all advice and good wishes together instead of in multiple threads.