Litter expected 22/01/08!

Yaffle · 01-17-2008, 06:13 AM

Hi everyone,
For those of you that read my intro, you'll know I'm expecting my first litter of syrians next Tuesday and I wanted your opinion on the best bedding material to use in the breeding cage.
Yeti (mum) currently has wood shavings and then safe paper bedding for her nest, but I was wondering if I should switch to CareFresh on the final clean out as it will have to last much longer than usual and I know it's more absorbent? At the same time I don't want to stress her out as she's never had it before and I'm not sure whether it's as comfy/good to make a nest out of. What do you think???
Having said that, I'm not entirely convinced that Yeti is actually pregnant! It's the 11th day now and I do think she's put on weight but I just don't want to get too excited and then be all disappointed! Any pointers on what I should be looking for as an indicator that she is pregnant?
Thanks guys!

souffle · 01-17-2008, 06:18 AM

You don't usually see the bulge at the back till about 3-4 days before birth and also more prominant and redder nipple lines. Her behaviour will likely change too. Sometimes nothing changes and you are surprised by squeaks!
I would put in the usual shavings but what we do is pile cagefresh in the wee corner. It is easy to scoop out and sprinkle new in when needed. After you clean the cage put a little old bedding backto settle her too and then dont handle her till after the pups are around 10days.
Good luck

Holly · 01-17-2008, 07:08 AM

I'd also stick with what she knows at this stage - shavings will be fine (whatever you use will get a bit mingy anyway!). If you put carefesh in the wet corner for a bit of extra absorbency that might help a bit - or she might nick it for her nest! Then she might change her mind...then change it back again :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaffle

Having said that, I'm not entirely convinced that Yeti is actually pregnant! It's the 11th day now and I do think she's put on weight but I just don't want to get too excited and then be all disappointed! Any pointers on what I should be looking for as an indicator that she is pregnant?

As souffle said, it's usual not to see much, if any, difference in them at eleven days. This is my Caramel a couple of days before she gave birth to a litter of eleven - she just looks a bit rounder all over and, a day or two before that, she didn't look any different at all really and I'd about convinced myself she wasn't pregnant!

Souffle told us about the "water wings" they often develop as the big day approaches - big bulges behind the shoulders - she definitely had those but not until a couple of days before:

Good luck with them, it's very exciting

Spacemonkey · 01-17-2008, 08:34 AM

This is a picture of my Bailey 2 days before she gave birth, not the best pic in the world as I took it with my camcorder, but you can see her bulges on either side. We think shes had 10 (not had a proper count yet!)

Good luck with your babies

**Spuds Mum** · 01-17-2008, 02:24 PM

Go Yeti!!

I'd stick with what she knows Claire, although I like Souffles idea for the loo corner - may try that next time.
We usually stick to the safe paper bedding too - even though we usually use normal tissue paper for our other hams - The tiny bits mean that there is less likelihood I think of tiny pups getting caught up/strangled etc in longer pieces.
I'm not going to post pics of my pregnant hams Claire, you've seen them on my site, and though bramble went round as a ball, Princess and BB were harder to call.
I cant wait for Tuesday! and hopefully to get a full update a week on Saturday.

Yaffle · 01-18-2008, 06:10 AM

Thanks for the pics and advice, will just leave her with the woodshavings.
After last night I'm pretty sure that she is expecting now, she's starting to display typical behaviour. For example when I went to feed her last night she'd made a massive big nest and when I went to check on her a couple of hours later she'd wrecked it and completley trashed her cage! She's never made such a big nest or been so destructive before so I'm hoping it's a sign!

**Spuds Mum** · 01-18-2008, 11:03 AM

so only a few days for pinkie arrival time hopefully! It sounds as though she is expecting. I'm feeling a bit 'hamster broody myself!

So in a few days there may be some tiny little Yaffies or Yeffles to hear about - is it cinnamon and possible dark greys you are expecting Claire?

Yaffle · 01-21-2008, 02:02 AM

Hello,
I'm now 95% sure that Yeti is expecting, did her final cage clean yesterday and she definately has a massive bulge and her nipples are really prominent now too, so hopefully the little pinkies should arrive some time over the next couple of days. Yes, I'm expecting long haired cinammon and dark greys!

souffle · 01-21-2008, 02:47 AM

Good luck Yeti. Hope all goes well with the patter of tiny paws!

Holly · 01-21-2008, 06:38 AM

Oooh exciting - baby hams! Good luck and keep us posted