The post - partum care of hamsters mainly includes the following aspects:
Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Environment
After giving birth, hamsters are extremely sensitive to external sounds and environmental changes. Therefore, place the cage in a quiet location and minimize disturbances. Avoid opening and closing the cage frequently, as this may make the mother hamster feel uneasy.
Maintain a Warm Environment
Newborn baby hamsters are very sensitive to cold. The room temperature should be kept between 20 - 26°C. You can place a hot - water bottle in the cage, but make sure it doesn't come into direct contact with the baby hamsters to prevent scalding.
Offer Sufficient Nutrition
Mother hamsters need more energy and nutrients during the nursing period. You can appropriately increase protein - rich foods such as nuts, eggs, tofu, and insects. At the same time, ensure that the mother hamster has access to fresh water at all times, as water shortage may lead to her becoming irritable.
Avoid Touching Baby Hamsters
The smell of humans may prevent the mother hamster from recognizing her own babies, causing her to reject nursing or even harm the baby hamsters. Therefore, try not to touch the baby hamsters directly within the first two weeks after their birth.
Provide Appropriate Bedding
Newborn baby hamsters are very delicate. The mother hamster will gather the bedding to build a nest for warmth. Owners can provide some clean and soft wood shavings or tissues in the cage, but materials containing chemical components are not recommended.
Reduce Cage - cleaning Frequency
Try not to clean the cage within the two weeks after the baby hamsters are born, as this may destroy the mother hamster's nest and separate the baby hamsters from her.
Through the above care measures, the health and safety of both the mother hamster and the baby hamsters can be ensured.