breeding habitat

[arikata]

What is the best breeding habitat for a robo pair?

I'm currently making a bin cage for 2 additions. What is the best nesting box and should a wheel be left in when the litter is born if the parents are still together? Thankyou!!x

[agatecrystal]

Its up to you weather or not to leave the wheel in and whether you want a 'nesting box' or an open nest, personally i prefer open nests. or you could you a tissue box

[arikata]

I do like the idea of an open nest, I can keep an eye on things that way. It won't get so dirty as quick either (in theory!)

[Spuds Mum]

I think one of the problems I have heard of when leaving wheels in is that this is often the place where mum decides to make her nest, and then later, can harm the pups if she or dad suddenly decide to use the wheel. Later on when the pups are mobile they can get flung about all over the place if mum or dad use the wheel with a young pup inside it..

[Tammy22]

Hiya,

i take out the wheel once the female is noticebly pregnant, which can be difficult to judge if she is having a small litter.

The biggest tub you can find is the best really - i dont usually use nest boxes, because i am nosy , and i like to look in the nest, but this isnt really a good idea, especially as you dont know the hamsters at all and they are completely new - i think it would be best for you to provide them with a nest box for some privacy. Another problem i find if they dont have a wheel is that they tend to run laps of the tub in the night, and they usually end up flattening the nest , but i hav never had a problem with the babies being harmed, lol, but if i do have adults who do laps then i do put a nest box in - again, it can be tricky doing this when you find the adults lapping and the babies are only a few days old - you could end up stressing out the female, resulting in her killing or abandoning the babies.

So i definately recommend you putting a nest box in! Also give them large sand bath, two water bottles and plenty of food scattered all over the tub.

Once you notice she is pregnant then you can do a final clean out, making sure both bottles are filled right to the top and lots and lots of food is scattered - then, you can leave the parents alone for the first 3 - 4 days without having to disturb them at all, as they will have plenty of food and water.

Remember to feed plenty of high protein foods such as chicken, boiled egg, scrambled egg etc, to help the mother cope with the litter.

Also, remember that you must remove the faher before the second litte is born to prevent the female from having three litters back to back, which ic very bad for her - she definately needs a long rest after having two litters back to back.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards,

Tammy x

[arikata]

Tammy, you are a star!

I really can't wait for another litter, Jaffa Cakes accidental litter have turned out perfect, they are so tame! They don't even mind children holding them.

Re: the wheel

my current litter absolutly love the wheel however they can't turn it by themselves. They wait to have a run with mum!