want to breed

[Hope]

I agree with everything that has been said here. Breeding is not something to be taken lightly, and I recommend reading and learning everything you can about hamster care and genetics before you start.

The white belly gene that has been metioned here is very dangerous, if both hamsters have it the pups will be born eyeless and with lots of potential complications.

We are not trying to put you off, just making sure that you understand everything you need to before you start. Could you perhaps contact the breeder that your current hamsters are from, I am sure he or she will be happy to help you out and show you the ropes before you begin with your own two.

[nooboo]

which breeder did you get the hamsters from? most NHC breeders would want to help someone breeding their hamsters for the first time.

If they gave you a pair that was suitable to be mated together and know your intentions i am sure they would talk you through all the details and be a safety net in case of problems.

[eye of the divine]

Originally Posted by Amethyst_ice

Its not that we are trying to put people off just they are livign beings and of course their welfare should come first and sometimes love just isn't enough

You owe to the pups and in deed the mum to know as much as humanly possible before breeding to ensure everything goes well. Its just liek preparign for a human baby..just there are no hamster natal classes lol

Its put me off in the aspect that I could be putting the babies and the mum at risk and I knew thats not the action that I wanted to be responsible for as an owner I had a responsibility to keep my hamster safe and I couldn't garantee that so it put me off the idea.

Sorr y if that came out the wrong way

[29jonesem]

know about the wite belly gene and i did know how old they should be but everythin i read was between 2-8 months and i thought it ewas a big range spoke to the breeder and told me everytin i needed to know and they offered to help me rehome them and take any of the unwanted . thanks everyone

[eye of the divine]

good luck hun! I hope she has a nice pregnancy and some beautiful pups at the end.

[Hope]

Originally Posted by 29jonesem

know about the wite belly gene and i did know how old they should be but everythin i read was between 2-8 months and i thought it ewas a big range spoke to the breeder and told me everytin i needed to know and they offered to help me rehome them and take any of the unwanted . thanks everyone

You sound like you have done your homework!!

I wish you all the best for the pregnancy and birth - I hope that you have lots of lovely healthy chunky pinkies!!

Keep us updated and let us know how you get on

[lisab]

good luck with your hams