How Do You Know if a Hamster Is Pregnant?
Photo by Pazfca, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Is My Hamster Pregnant?
“My name is Samantha. I’m 11 years old. I would like to ask about my pet Syrian hamster, Angel. I think she’s pregnant, but my dad tells me she’s not, but he doesn’t know much about hamsters.
My hamster is showing all the signs, and she is at the age of pregnancy (for hamsters). She’s nesting, eating, restless, not exercising, getting fatter, and always staying on the bottom of her enclosure except for when she drinks.
She also looks quite stressed! She now spends almost half of her time in the sand. IS MY HAMSTER PREGNANT? I need to know!”—Samantha
Signs of Hamster Pregnancy
Do you have a male hamster in the cage with Angel? That might be the reason your dad thinks she is not pregnant. If she is alone and you have just brought her home from the pet shop, it is possible that she is pregnant, but if you have had her for over a month or so and do not have a male, then no, she is not pregnant.
If you have a male or just brought her home, how can you tell if she is pregnant? You are correct in that there are behavior changes when a hamster gets pregnant. The behavior you describe of her being at the bottom of the cage, nesting, is one of the first things we notice. Besides nesting, you might see some other signs:
- Weight gain: You have already noticed this but please do not pick her up to try and feel the babies. Sometimes, they can be injured if handled too much, and Angel will be more likely to bite, even if she does not normally do so.
- Nipple growth: Check the video below to see a drawing of where the nipples are located on a hamster.
- Prefers to be left alone: You mentioned that she stays at the bottom of the cage.
- Prone to biting: The most common thing I hear about Syrians (not Siberians) is that they are more prone to biting when pregnant.
- Eating more than normal: Since they have an increased appetite, this is a good time to introduce fresh foods to their diet.
If your hamster does give you some babies, make sure you do not handle them for several days after they are born. The mom can feel very stressed out and end up eating her babies because of the stress.
If you are sure that she is not pregnant in a week or two, but she is still showing the signs you are describing, she may have an illness.
Best of luck to you. If you have any other questions, be sure to let us know.
This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2024 Mark dos Anjos, DVM
