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Old 12-06-2015, 10:13 AM   #1
GreySyrian
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Question What to know about Breeding?

I'm a newbie to hamsters so am asking out of curiosity and don't plan on breeding hamsters any-time soon (although would love to see at least 1 litter in the future!).

I was just wondering what the important facts were to know when it comes to breeding hamsters. And also about how genes work for types and colours/fur types so If anyone could explain or link me to a good place It would be very helpful!
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Old 12-06-2015, 07:21 PM   #2
Wanna Hamster
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

To be honest, you should leave breeding to the experts. Many breeders breed for quality pets that will be healthier and happier than a pet store hamster, not just because it is fun. I don't mean to be rude in any way, but breeding isn't something that just anyone can do. I have cared for hamsters for many years now, but I still wouldn't breed just because it would be cute to see baby hamsters. Many people don't realize that you will most likely end up with 6+ baby hamsters to rehome, unless you have 8 cages ready to house them all yourself. It is not something that should be taken lightly and should be left to the experts. I'm sure some experienced breeders will post their opinions on it.
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Old 12-06-2015, 07:24 PM   #3
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

I don't know much about breeding, but maybe someone called Nancy's Hamsters will answer your question. I looked on her profile and she is actually a hamster breeder so she might know the best.
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Old 12-06-2015, 07:52 PM   #4
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

Hello GreySyrian! There's an excellent piece titled "Think before you breed" stickied in this section. It doesn't go too deep into breeding, just skims the surface, but there's so much to know that it's a good starting point. If you have very specific questions then I would turn to experienced breeders for answers

Think Before You Breed!
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Old 12-06-2015, 08:49 PM   #5
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

BrainGirl, that is a great thread! Just read it and it has plenty of starter information!
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Old 12-06-2015, 10:10 PM   #6
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

Yes I am a hobby breeder, Being in the UK you have a very good source to buying great quality show line hamsters and that would be my first suggestion. Go to as many shows as you can and get to know the show breeders(note they will not be able to chat until they have all their Hamsters on the show bench and had a chance to get settled themselves so if they simply can't chat when you hope to just have patience and wait till they have time for you.

Observe the show animals and see if any color shown interest you. Then attempt to locate a breeder of that color. I hear tell that in the UK the better color for new hobby and possibly show breeders to start with is Black Eyed cream. It is a very established color and will make it a bit easier for you to obtain a good show quality pair.

Next try to get to know several show breeders as many have quality without inbreeding. The breeder you select to purchase your breeder hamsters from should be someone you can trust as they will become your Mentor, your friend, and if you succeed in show quality pups may become your competition. A good mentor wants you to succeed and will be thrilled for you in winning. Their also someone you'll feel comfortable with for asking many many questions you'll want to learn, as well as a comforting shoulder should a litter go wrong.

Breeding for quality is much more work then quantity but the rewards are great. There is no profit in breeding Hamsters and often you actually will spend money and take a loss. Pups eat like a windstorm when young and one litter of 7 could cost you well over $200.00 by the time the litter has been placed in new homes with extra cost for Bedding, Food, and cages, plus wheels and toys and nest house etc. They will take up a lot of your time with all the handling lessons needed to keep the pups super friendly and tame.

As for genetics it takes a lot of studying and questioning a good Mentor to really learn it and your never done learning as new genes appear on the scene so yet more genes to learn. For instance I know a lot about Genetics but I recently began working with the Rust gene by having the opportunity to acquire several Chocolate Hamsters. What I was unaware of was they also had a gene known by two completely different names which I had very little knowledge on. In the USA they call this gene Polywhite, in many other countries it is called White Bellow on non cream based colors and White Speckled on Cream based colors. So these Chocolates sent me back to school so I could ID those pups with the gene.
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Old 12-07-2015, 09:42 AM   #7
GreySyrian
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wanna Hamster View Post
To be honest, you should leave breeding to the experts. Many breeders breed for quality pets that will be healthier and happier than a pet store hamster, not just because it is fun. I don't mean to be rude in any way, but breeding isn't something that just anyone can do. I have cared for hamsters for many years now, but I still wouldn't breed just because it would be cute to see baby hamsters. Many people don't realize that you will most likely end up with 6+ baby hamsters to rehome, unless you have 8 cages ready to house them all yourself. It is not something that should be taken lightly and should be left to the experts. I'm sure some experienced breeders will post their opinions on it.
I appreciate you posting your opinion My intention wouldn't be to create hamsters that are not 'needed', what I mean by this I would like any litter I see to be of a good quality and have people who'd want them due to their colour/genetics etc. I know i'm far too naive on breeding currently and it will most likely take me a good few years to build up the knowledge I need to breed responsibly. I just wanted to post so I knew where to start really!
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Old 12-07-2015, 03:38 PM   #8
Wanna Hamster
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

Yep, I get it! I'm sorry if I sounded rude in any way, I was just voicing my opinion. Nancy has given some great information and has many years of experience, so trust her! If you ever do think you are capable and ready to breed, go back and read every thread you find about breeding hamsters to prevent bad things from happening.
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Old 12-07-2015, 05:07 PM   #9
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Default Re: What to know about Breeding?

Exactly what Wanna Hamster said.
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