When Is the Best Time to Breed Hamsters?

It's natural for anyone who owns male and female hamsters to want to put the two furry pets together and let them make babies. Before you do that, however, here's what you need to know.

Instructions

1. Start breeding your female hamster when she is between four and six months old.

2. Have a plan for the babies. Hamsters have large litters, so unless you want to take care of several hamsters, make a plan for selling the little guys. Before breeding your hamsters, see if the local pet store would be interested in purchasing your young hamsters when they are ready to breed. Also consider selling your youngsters at reptile and small animal shows.

3. Ensure that both of your hamsters are the same breed. It takes a great deal of time to promote crossbred hamsters. Novice hamster breeders should avoid this.

4. Place your male and female in a cage together. To help decrease the chances of your hamsters fighting, put both the hamsters in a cage that they aren't familiar with so neither feels territorial.

5. Monitor your hamsters closely while they are together. If they start to fight, separate them immediately. If your female is ready to be bred, she will freeze in front of the male, lift her tail and allow the male to mate with her. Hamsters usually only need to be left together for 15 minutes.

6. The hamster's gestation period is 14 days long. While your female is pregnant, offer her extra food. When her due date draw close, remove her exercise wheel, completely clean her cage and give her extra bedding.

7. Don't wean your hamsters until they are three weeks old.