Help...how to remove dead babies from cage?

HeidisKidsHamsters · 10-09-2012, 09:07 AM

Our 15 year old daughter's winter white dwarf had babies last evening. Through the transparent bottom of the cage, we saw that there are 3 live babies & about 4 dead babies. I know we are not to bother the nest, so what should we do about the dead ones?
Thank-you for your advice!
Heidi

**kyrilliondaemon** · 10-09-2012, 09:39 AM

The safest way is to rub a spoon in the dirty bedding and scoop them out with that - if you're 110% sure they're definetly dead.

HeidisKidsHamsters · 10-09-2012, 09:42 AM

I think they definitely are dead, she shoved them out of the way & they've not moved, & not pink like the others. Was hoping she would have taken care of disposing of them. Is there still a chance she might eat them, or is it best to remove them?

**kyrilliondaemon** · 10-09-2012, 09:45 AM

I'm definetly not an expert but personally I'd remove them. I know its nasty but if she hasn't disposed of them yet I'm not sure she will.

NotsoLittleOlive · 10-09-2012, 09:49 AM

I think the fact that there are multiple deaths means she can't deal with all of them.
I'd remove them and disturb the nest as little as physically possible.
I read in another thread that distracting mum with a yummy treat whilst you're doing it can help - hopefully someone with more experience will jump in and confirm.

souffle · 10-09-2012, 10:17 AM

If she has moved them to the side then it is best to remove them. Get a nice dish of porridge or babyfood and some fresh veg and place it on the other side of the cage. Take a clean spoon and rub it in the bedding, even the wee corner to make it smell like them. When mum is out scoop the dead pups out and bury them or dispose of them then add some fresh tissue bedding so she has something to keep her busy and leave them really quiet for a good while to settle down.
Sorry about the babies but it does happen not uncommonly.

Dave W · 10-09-2012, 12:03 PM

Also sorry to hear about the dead babies. We have been through the same ourselves a couple of weeks ago and that was only 1 baby. I'm no expert as was thrown in at the deep end as we never knew our daughters hamster was even pregnant, but if you get some healthy pups out of it at the end then it does make up for any heartbreak along the way I feel.

HeidisKidsHamsters · 10-09-2012, 12:44 PM

Thank-you for all of your help! We will take them out this evening if they are still there, bury them, & hope all goes well for the the 3 live babies.

souffle · 10-09-2012, 01:16 PM

Is the dad still in there HKH? If he is he will have mated with the female again and she will have another litter in about 18-21 days. The mate right after the birth. I would take him out if he is in there. When any male pups are 4 weeks they can go in with dad and they are normally accepted with no problems.

HeidisKidsHamsters · 10-09-2012, 01:25 PM

No, dad has been out for awhile. We made that mistake with a previous litter, leaving him in because he helped care for the babies & "mothered" them so sweetly. 3-4 weeks later, mom had another single baby! (but ate it). Lesson learned.