Can anyone breed hamsters??

Robodwarfs18 · 07-24-2015, 12:54 PM

Very random question and it may sound silly haha but I was wondering if just anyone can really breed hamsters? Do you have to be a specific age or have a license or something? Just wondering because I feel like it would be interesting but I don't know. Also, if anyone is willing to tell me any stories of their times breeding, then please do! I'd love to hear about it! Thanks.

Cricetinae · 07-24-2015, 03:33 PM

Whether or not you require a licence or permit depends on your locality. Countries have national guidance which may or may not be different at a local level. Generally speaking however, if you're breeding non-commercially, outside of a business, from a pedigree'd pet (this distinction if often noted in local guidance) there is no need for licences or permits. You could therefore infer that there would be no further age restrictions if the breeding and sale of hamsters is unregulated in this context.

It is interesting, in fact it is fascinating. However, there must be a clear rationale for breeding. I personally don't think there is a problem with breeding a litter or two for the sake of interest and curiosity, if you're well informed. However, to breed hamsters on a regular basis, you would hopefully have additional reasoning behind this. Usually, this is selective breeding in an effort to improve domestic stock. This is often for the purposes of exhibition/showing. Many feel that this distinction (rather than just breeding for the sake of breeding) offsets the fact that there are pups being bred, when there are many in need of adoption.

If you are interested, I'd highly recommend reading up on selective breeding and the alleles (genes) that affect appearance, in addition to all the other quirks of biology that a well-informed breeder should know. There's some information and a quiz on my website and on the websites of many other hamsteries. This might saite your appetite for now!

http://www.hamsterinformation.com/ge...oduction.html/

**DrKMcK** · 07-24-2015, 07:57 PM

Hello Robodwarfs18. Anyone can mate hamsters. Unfortunately, lots and lots of people have over the years and have created havoc by coming up with the "Russian" hybrid hamster and over breeding hamsters with medical issues that result in hamsters dying from genetic disorders and diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Only two species of hamsters can breed together...the Campbell's and the Winter Whites. However, this can kill a mama ham because one species is larger than the other, and a Mama ham trying to pass a too big pup can die in the process, along with the whole litter. Even in a healthy hamster, what a lot of folks don't know is that pregnancy can kill a Mama ham and stress can cause Mama to kill the litter. Also, because there are so many hamsters out there, it's not so easy to find homes for them. Love your hamster? Could you deal with knowing someone hasn't treated one of your baby hams right, or abandoned it to a pet store? You have to be prepared to take any hammy back if someone doesn't want it anymore. You need to be sure you have enough cages for up to 16-20 hamsters if they don't get homes. If any get sick they will need vet care. More importantly, hamsters should only be bred to improve the breed...to make healthier hamsters with good body structure and weight. To make sure that only healthy hamsters have their lines continued. Remember, these are little lives you are talking about, so please talk to good responsible breeders and learn from them before you breed any hamster. There are very good breeders here on HC. Check out their threads.

Robodwarfs18 · 07-25-2015, 03:46 AM

Thank you both. It was just out of curiousity. I don't think I will breed or will in the future as it is a huge respobsibility but thanks for the info! Just trying to improve my hamster knowledge

**DrKMcK** · 07-25-2015, 09:09 AM

Hi again Robodwarfs18. One of the real sins in hamster breeding concerns the two Russian dwarf species...the Russian Winter White and Russian Campbell's dwarfs. It is now almost impossible to find a true WW or Campbells dwarf in my area. They are hybrids. Depending on how much they look like one of the species or the other, they will be sold as the one they look most like. Lots of folks come on HC thinking they have a Campbells or a Winter White and it just isn't so. Erin's Hamsters has great info on this. Here's the link:

ErinsHamsters

I would dearly love to see more responsible breeders of our furry friends. Who knows, it could be you some day.

kittokitty · 08-02-2015, 04:25 PM

If you ever do decide to breed then seek guidance from a respected breeder

Piebald · 08-03-2015, 02:09 AM

Breeding hamsters looks quite tricksy to me. I have learned a lot just from some of the threads here by the very good and responsible breeders. Mostly I have learned how much I don't know!
I also do think breeding any pet just for your own pleasure is irresponsible. But it costs nothing to learn so good for you for looking into it first.

Yuki · 08-04-2015, 12:10 PM

Hi robodwarfs18,

I'm breeding roborovskis. I'm finding it fun. My first litter had only three pups. I was worried about one of the female pups because it looked like she was born with out one of her eyes. Idk what happened but she had them both one just took longer to open/develop. Today both eyes are in great shape.

My plan is to breed several generations of robos I'm taking my time tho because i dont want too many pups.

WinnieTheHam · 08-05-2015, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuki

Hi robodwarfs18,

I'm breeding roborovskis. I'm finding it fun. My first litter had only three pups. I was worried about one of the female pups because it looked like she was born with out one of her eyes. Idk what happened but she had them both one just took longer to open/develop. Today both eyes are in great shape.

My plan is to breed several generations of robos I'm taking my time tho because i dont want too many pups.

Hello Yuki

Why are you breeding Robos?

Yuki · 08-05-2015, 05:19 PM

Hi WinnieTheHam,

There are a couple reasons I chose Roborovskis. For starters, the obvious, they are small and super cute. I have a soft spot for things that are small and cute LOL. Also because they are so small I feel the maintenance is a bit easier than the larger Syrians or other large rodents. And I feel because the maintenance is less it will be easier to care for more of them. Also I chose them because they are relatively new on the scene and it appears there is not a lot documented on their genetics. So this gives me the opportunity to do some original research of my own.

Right now I am working on a project that I posted about in a different post. I am also working on setting up a webpage on my robo breeding projects.

I would love to get in touch with other knowledgeable robo breeders. Hamster breeding is not really a big thing on this side of the pond so I don't know how to find serious hobbyists in my area.

Here is a pic of one of my adult females.

Have fun Winnie.
Yuki