Hamster in heat??

[Engel]

Ok this is one of those weird questions and I apologise but can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for.

Hamsters come on heat? But assuming they don't bleed like dogs? I know my rats didn't.

Is there anything I should or shouldn't do while a female hamster is in heat? Are there any signs to watch out for?

Reason I'm asking is I know for definite I'm picking up a 16 month old female Syrian whose been in rescue nearly all her life and I've only had male hamsters.

Now, I know the obvious...make sure she doesn't come into contact with a male.

Everything that I'm finding is talking about breeding. Obviously I don't want to do that.

Any help would be great

[cypher]

Hams don't bleed no, you may notice a different scent or some behavioural changes but it varies a lot from one ham to another, generally it's not something you need worry about, you may not even notice.

[Dessi]

Since hamsters come in heat every 4 days (at least that’s what I’ve read about dwarfs) I would think it would be very hard to notice behavior changes. I wonder when they stop coming into heat though. I would think around 50% of their lifespan ?

[sarahbutterflies]

They should generally not bleed. If you do see bleeding coming from her privates or on her bedding it's important to get her to a vet as soon as possible as it can be a sign of a uterus infection or disease I think (basically something with her uterus isn't right). Females go into heat ever 3 or 4 days. You may see her behavior change but I haven't had an issue with mine. A way to tell if she is in heat is if you rub her lower back, by her tail and it should stick straight up and she should freeze. They also can emit a strong odor. I would definitely say to make sure you have a large enclosure because with female Syrians (not always) they have such strong natural instincts to go look for a mate which can lead to them being "hard to please" and trying to escape. Most likely you probably won't see a big change in your Syrian.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by sarahbutterflies

They should generally not bleed. If you do see bleeding coming from her privates or on her bedding it's important to get her to a vet as soon as possible as it can be a sign of a uterus infection or disease I think (basically something with her uterus isn't right). Females go into heat ever 3 or 4 days. You may see her behavior change but I haven't had an issue with mine. A way to tell if she is in heat is if you rub her lower back, by her tail and it should stick straight up and she should freeze. They also can emit a strong odor. I would definitely say to make sure you have a large enclosure because with female Syrians (not always) they have such strong natural instincts to go look for a mate which can lead to them being "hard to please" and trying to escape. Most likely you probably won't see a big change in your Syrian.

Ah ok. Well I will wish her good luck finding a mate...I have a male robo. While he is a different species will he act differently because of the pheromones?

[Engel]

Originally Posted by Dessi

Since hamsters come in heat every 4 days (at least that’s what I’ve read about dwarfs) I would think it would be very hard to notice behavior changes. I wonder when they stop coming into heat though. I would think around 50% of their lifespan ?

That'd make sense. Lyric (the rescue ham I'm getting Wednesday. It's official!) Is around a yr and a half now. My first and last Syrian lived til 4. But I know the average is 2-3. So maybe it won't be as noticeable now.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by cypher

Hams don't bleed no, you may notice a different scent or some behavioural changes but it varies a lot from one ham to another, generally it's not something you need worry about, you may not even notice.

Ok cool. Just making sure