The number of offspring a hamster gives birth to in one litter varies depending on multiple factors such as the breed, age, health condition, and environmental conditions.
Differences in the Number of Offspring per Litter among Different Hamster Breeds
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters): Usually, they can give birth to 4 to 12 pups per litter.
Dwarf Hamsters (such as Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters): They may give birth to 1 to 10 pups per litter.
Bear Hamsters: A litter usually has 6 to 15 pups, but the common range is 5 to 8 pups.
Dwarf Hamsters: A litter generally has 2 to 7 pups, and the common range is 1 to 4 pups.
Main Factors Affecting the Number of Offspring of Hamsters
Breed Differences: The number of offspring varies among different hamster breeds. For example, Syrian hamsters may have 4 to 12 pups per litter, while dwarf hamsters may have 1 to 10 pups per litter.
Age Factor: Younger hamster mothers usually can give birth to more pups. However, as they get older, their reproductive ability gradually declines.
Health Condition: Sufficient nutrition and good care help increase the number of offspring and the survival rate of the pups.
Raising Environment: A quiet, comfortable, clean environment with a suitable temperature is conducive to the better reproduction of hamsters.
Reproductive Experience: As the reproductive experience increases, the number of offspring that a female hamster gives birth to usually increases.
The Reproductive Cycle and Reproductive Ability of Hamsters
Hamsters generally reach sexual maturity at around 3 months old. They can reproduce 2 to 4 times a year and give birth to babies 4 to 8 times in their lifetime. Hamsters with better physical conditions may give birth to 5 to 8 pups each time, and in some rare cases, they can even give birth to about 13 pups at once. However, excessive reproduction can impose a heavy burden on the body of the female hamster, affecting her health and the physical condition of the pups.