My Syrian just had babies!!

[Hope]

No probs Annie - I can merge them if you like?

[AlexWyattMommy]

Thank you. Into which ever forum is more appropriate please.

[Hope]

I would give about half, chop it up in to smaller bits and see how it goes. They will keep in the fridge for a little while, so you can always add more if need be. But from what I have heard mum and a growing litter eat like ganits lol!!

You could drop some extra bedding in if you think she needs it, she will come out and get it if she wants it, but will probably leave it if not. If she looks to be nice and cosy and all pups covered up I wouldnt worry too much.

Its good that they were nice and pink, that means they are healthy, there will be variations in size, some of the smaller ones may not make it, but try not to worry too much, mum can sense things that we cant, so she will do whats best.

Solid to solid parings is generally better, pattern to patter is not advised at all, but it is likely that she has bred with a close relative, and thats not great genetically, and if the litter that Simmons came from was not well planned and parents chosen for health, etc, there could be underlying issues, but this is a risk with any mating so try not to worry for now. I know its hard!

It is very important that she is left undisturbed, it is so hard not to take a peek, but it really is best not to, once pups are venturing out at about 7-10 days and depanding on how mum is in herself you can begin to interact a little more with them, just sit on your hands for now!

[Hope]

Merged for you now Annie into the breeding forum

[AlexWyattMommy]

Thank you.

I gave her a little less than that right now. If she eats it, I will give her more tomorrow.

The food bowl and water are on the other side from her nest. The door is in the middle, but she didn't flinch when I opened it.

She is sitting in the middle of her nest. Don't know what she is doing, but that is for the best.

I will have son not sleep in his room for the weekend to give her some peace.

I will give her more bedding when I give her more food tomorrow. I think I should leave her alone for the rest of the day.

Being new to us and a new mom must not be easy.

The hamsters in the container did all look alike. I guess it was a close relation breeding.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Back from the pet store.

Not the most helpful but they made apologetic sounds. She did say they would re-train their staff to tell the difference between male and female.

She said that the ones in the same enclosure were not closely related, but if she came to them pregnant, she couldn't promise the pregnancy was not a close related one.

She said not to give the mom anything special and that covering the cage was not necessary. She also offered to take the babies when they were weaned. Like that is going happen.

Anyway, I did give the mom some more of the complete pellets even though she is not fond of them. She came right over as I was putting them in the bowl. Not frightened or concerned my hand was in the cage at all. I could see the squirming babies in the nest, but I didn't get a good enough look to count them correctly. Although I am pretty sure there is no longer 7 of them.

I will give her more egg and some tofu tomorrow.

I currently have 4 different enclosures to put them when it is time to move them. I plan on keeping them all separate as I know I will not get the genders correct. LOL If there more babies in the nest and they all make it, I will get more containers at the 3 week mark.

I plan on following your advice over the pet shop. The sheet stays on until she starts messing with it and we leave them well enough alone for a long time. And I am giving her the extra food.

Thank you all again. I am so glad I found this place.

[souffle]

Babies tend to do better when they are separated if they can be kept in single sex groups for a few weeks. It gives them confidence and helps when taming them. We will help you sex them correctly and it isn't hard once they are 4 weeks so don't fret.

Make sure she has a mixed seed mix if you can get this as they enjoy all the different types or the complete one as the fibre is essential for all their bowels to be healthy. Mother always knows best so trust her to look after her pups. About 1/4 of an egg is good for the mum alone. When the pups come out they will eat lots of food but don't overdo fresh food for mum just now in case she stores it and it goes bad in the nest because if the pups eat off food it can upset their tums. Give her as much as she can eat in one go.
You are doing a good job and I think that little lady knows it
Your poor lad sleeping on the sofa! What a good hamster owner he is. Tell him well done.

[NuttyEmUK]

Just read this thread Annie. Just wanted to wish you all the best of luck with the babies

Em

[Gizmodo ^_^]

This must have been such a shock, goodluck with the babies

[AlexWyattMommy]

Thank you for the info about the egg. I didn't think about her taking it to the nest. I will go check and see if any is left in the bowl and remove it right away.

She has the complete pellet things. Those are so ugly looking. And a mix that has seeds and little pellets and what I swear looks like different colored cereal pieces. She leaves the little pellets that look like rabbit food.

I think the smell from the cage is prompting him to sleep on the couch just as much as the wanting the babies to survive.

I would love to freebreeze that room. LOL It does smell pretty bad.

It would be fun to watch them play together if I can the sexing thing down proper. Gosh that reads really bad. LOL

Anyway, we are much more calm now that she has the babies with her and looks like she is taking care of them. We know nature may have other plans and will deal with the losses as they may be.

When I gave her more food, she came right over to the bowl as soon as I opened the door. She is not nervous around me at all. Which surprised me as my son does most of the work with her. I just talked stupid to her every day. Like she really cared that I was cleaning the bathroom or changing sheets.

Better go get that egg.

Thank you all for the well wishes.