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Before you start breeding. "PLEASE THINK CAREFULLY". Syrian
Hamsters are easy to breed, doing it right is the difficult bit. What is to happen to the young hamsters, your female hamster
will produce. She can have from 6-12 pups per litter Do you have you
an outlet for them. Pet shops normally have a regular supply of hamsters, and will usually stay with his known and trusted
breeder / supplier. Most pet shops will not take them from people of the street. Most will only keep a limited number, as
hamsters are not babies very long. Otherwise you could finnish up with a lot of hamsters that you cannot possibly house
or keep. It is not easy finding homes for baby hamsters. Even if you try to give them away. This is cruel, and irresponsible
breeding. Syrian hamsters have to be separated into single sex cages at the age of 4-5 weeks, they are capable of reproducing
even at this young age. At the age of 6-8 weeks Syrian hamster will have to be housed individually. Otherwise serious
and persistent fighting occurs. Can you accommodate them, have you got the cages, and space to keep them.
If you are
unable to cope, house, and supply the love care and attention that these adorable little creatures deserve then "PLEASE THINK
AGAIN"
Oestrus ( "On Heat", "In Season". Period of time when a female
hamster will accept mating. ) 6-10 hours (night). Heat generally begins approximately 1-half hours after
dusk on the third day of the oestrus cycle and ovulation is completed 6-10 hours after onset of psychic oestrus. If the female
is receptive she will quickly assume her position with hind legs spread and tail in the air. If copulation does not occur
within 2-3 minutes or if the female becomes aggressive, she should be removed back to her own cage. If copulation does occurs,
the pair can be left together until such time as the female shows no further interest in mating. This is usually between 20-30
minutes. or becomes aggressive toward the male. Males should not be left with females for prolonged periods, fighting will
occur.
Breeding starts with the introduction of the female to the
males cage. The preferred method. Some female hamsters can be aggressively protective of their territory. Or the mating
can be conducted on neutral grounds if you wish. Once it has been established that she is ready for mating. This should
be done about 1-half hours after dark. This is when the female will be at her most receptive time. For the experienced breeder
there are many ways in which to do this. But for the inexperienced breeder one way to do this is gently stroke her back,
if she is ready to mate she will go into what we call the receptive pose. That is tummy to the ground, tail in the air.
They can then be left together for about 20 - 30 min's keeping
them under constant supervision. During this time after the female is placed into the males cage, the male will start to show
an interest in the female. This is the only occasion that she will tolerate another hamster near her. The male will mount
the female for a few seconds only, he will dismount then proceed to wash himself. Then mount the female again. This procedure
will take place many times before the female becomes bored of the male, and will then start to become with him. It is at
this stage she must be removed, and return them to their own cages. If you have made a wrong decision
and the female is not in heat, then an aggressive fight will ensue almost immediately. By her attacking the male, separate
them try again the following evening.
Once you have let it get to this stage, it is not so easy to separate two squawking
Syrian hamsters without getting scratched or bit. Have a pair of gardening gloves at the ready, or a piece of plastic,
or hardboard sheet to obscure the hamsters from each others view until all is calm. Then return the female to her own cage. |