The care of baby hamsters requires comprehensive consideration in aspects such as feeding, environmental arrangement, avoiding disturbance, and the nutrition of the mother hamster.
Feeding
Breastfeeding: Newborn baby hamsters mainly rely on breastfeeding. If the mother hamster doesn't have enough milk, goat milk powder can be used as a substitute. Feed with a small syringe, keep the milk temperature at around 37°C, and feed every two hours. As the babies gradually grow, the feeding interval can be slowly extended.
Adding Supplementary Food: When the baby hamsters are 4 to 5 weeks old, supplementary food can be added. Grains such as oatmeal and cornflakes are the preferred choices. Gradually increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, and be careful not to add meat foods too early.
Environmental Arrangement
Temperature and Humidity: Baby hamsters have relatively high requirements for temperature and humidity. The suitable environmental temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is 50% to 60%. A heating pad or an electric blanket can be used to keep the temperature stable. Avoid places with direct sunlight and poor ventilation.
Bedding in the Cage: The bedding in the cage should be soft and have a thickness of no less than 20 cm. Keep good ventilation and prepare multiple hiding places. Clean the urine-soaked bedding, food bowl, and water dispenser every day. Thoroughly clean the cage every month and keep some of the old bedding to maintain a familiar smell.
Avoiding Disturbance
Reducing Interference: Baby hamsters have a low adaptability to the environment. The owner should not check on them frequently and avoid directly grabbing them with hands, so as not to get the smell of humans on them. In winter, take good warming measures to prevent them from catching a cold.
Ensuring the Nutrition of the Mother Hamster: Ensure that the mother hamster has enough food to avoid her eating the cubs due to hunger. After giving birth, the mother hamster needs to supplement with glucose water, high-protein feed, etc., to ensure that she has enough milk to feed the babies.
Specific Operation Steps and Schedule
Feeding Schedule: Feed every two hours during the breastfeeding period and use a small syringe to feed goat milk powder. After adding supplementary food, gradually extend the feeding interval.
Environmental Cleaning: Clean the feces and food residues in the cage every day. Thoroughly clean the cage every month and keep some of the old bedding.
Warming Measures: Use a heating pad or an electric blanket to keep the temperature stable in winter. Avoid direct sunlight and poor ventilation.
Through the above meticulous care measures, the healthy growth of baby hamsters can be ensured.