Pregnant hamster with problems?

[Cesar Negrete]

Sypha (mi female hamster) is pregnant, she is in this state for about 17
days (since I saw them doing that...). It is really obvious now, her body
is really big by now, but I'm getting worried since she doesn't litter
(yet).

I've read in a web page that it takes 15-18 days to litter, but she hasn't
yet...

Is there any problem with them? They also haven't eat much since I
separated them (about 5 or 6 days).

-- Cesar Negrete -- Contact me by
- Hamster and video - e-mail: cneg...@albec.net.mx
- games lover - ICQ pager: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/1833594

[arr...@ukonline.co.uk]

You do not say what type of hamsters you have.

If they are Syrian (teddybear, standard, golden, fancy) then the gestation
period is 16 days. They rarely go over this but occasionally can go 17-18 days
before giving birth. Syrians can have phantom pregnancies and so your hamster
may not really be pregnant, just look it. Sometimes there can be problems
giving birth and females have the ability to absorb babies back into the blood
stream. You need to keep an eye on your female and if she appears to be in
distress at all seek veterinary advice.

If they are Dwarf Hamsters (Russian, Chinese) then the gestation period is
18-21 days and so the litte will probably be born soon.

You also say you recently separated the male and female. If your hamsters are
Syrian they should be living separately as they are solitary animals and will
not tolerate the company of another once mature. If they are Syrian it would
suggest that your female is very young and therefore will need lots of extra
care whilst nursing to avoid cannabilism of the litter.

If they are Dwarf Hamsters the male will help with the rearing of the litter
and should ideally be left with the female. This of course will mean that they
will breed again and you may not wish for another litter. But if you do intend
for them to breed again the male should be placed back with the female as to
leave him out for too long could mean you cannot re-introduce him at a later
date.

Lorraine
The Complete Hamster Site
http://www.hamsters.co.uk

[Cesar Negrete]

Well, it wasn't to worry about... this morning I discovered that Sypha born
6 beautiful babies :)

I think they were seven, but she... well, you know what she did.

Anyway, she is taking good care of the six remaining. I've put her water
bottle near and i gave her a little dish with milk soaked bread (she did
drink the milk, but didn't eat the bread). Anyway, I'm giving her plenty of
food to help her :)

(this was just to share my happiness) :)