After a hamster gives birth to babies, in order to ensure the health of the mother hamster and the baby hamsters, special attention and careful care are needed. Here are some specific care methods:
I. Provide Sufficient Nutrition
Increase Protein Intake: The mother hamster needs a large amount of nutrition during the lactation period, especially protein. You can supplement it by feeding mealworms, superworms, the egg white of boiled eggs, dried small fish, etc.
Ensure Sufficient Drinking Water: Provide fresh and sufficient drinking water to meet the mother hamster's water needs during lactation. It is recommended to give the mother hamster distilled water or cooled boiled water to drink.
Moderate Amount of Fruits and Vegetables: Regularly feed the mother hamster some vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage leaves. They can not only replenish water but also aid digestion. However, be careful not to feed them every day to avoid diarrhea.
II. Create a Suitable Environment
Keep Quiet: Move the cage to a quiet and dark place. You can cover the top of the cage with a cloth to reduce noise and interference, allowing the mother hamster and the baby hamsters to rest peacefully.
Keep Warm: Baby hamsters are born without fur and are prone to catching a cold. Add softtextured and lowodor wood shavings or clean toilet paper as bedding in the nesting box to keep them warm.
Avoid Changing the Cage: The mother hamster will store a large amount of food in her cheek pouches after giving birth. Changing the cage may make her feel uneasy due to the unfamiliar environment. Try to let her nurse the babies in the same place where she gave birth.
III. Reduce Disturbance and Touch
Avoid Directly Touching the Baby Hamsters: Hamsters are very sensitive to smells. If the baby hamsters are stained with human smell, the mother hamster may refuse to feed them or even eat them. Try not to directly touch the baby hamsters before they are 20 days old.
Reduce the Frequency of Cage Cleaning: The frequency of cleaning the cage should be reduced accordingly. Just clean the areas that are wet with urine and dirty, and try not to touch the other parts. Excessive cleaning may change the smell of the environment and affect the emotions of the mother hamster and her babies.
IV. Gradually Wean and Transition Food
Weaning Time: The weaning of baby hamsters is a gradual process. Usually, weaning starts at 18 to 21 days, and they are completely weaned at around 28 days.
Transition Food: During the weaning period, you can gradually provide some solid food for the baby hamsters, such as hamster food, to let them start getting used to independent feeding. At the same time, continue to provide the mother hamster with sufficient food and water.
V. Other Precautions
Avoid Scaring: During the period when the mother hamster is feeding the baby hamsters, pay attention to avoiding scaring the mother hamster. Prevent loud noises in the breeding environment or the approach of other people and pets.
Provide Activity Space: As the baby hamsters grow, they need more space and activities. Therefore, gradually adjust the settings of the cage and provide more toys and climbing facilities.
Through the above methods, you can ensure that the mother hamster and the baby hamsters receive appropriate care after birth, promoting their healthy growth.