Are you a worried hamster owner wondering why your furry friend has stopped feeding her babies? It’s natural to feel concerned when you notice your hamster isn’t giving her young the attention they need.
Hamsters are known for being loving and attentive mothers, but sometimes they may abandon or stop feeding their young for various reasons.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of a mother hamster not feeding her babies and provide tips on how to prevent abandonment and ensure the survival of the young.
We will discuss baby hamster care, mother hamster behavior, and surrogate mother options. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why your hamster may not be feeding her babies and how to take action to ensure their well-being.
Let’s dive in!
Baby Hamster Care
If you’re concerned about your hamster not feeding her babies, remember that baby hamsters under 3 weeks old need their mother for warmth, food, and protection. Hand-raising them increases the risk of death, especially for first-time owners.
To prevent abandonment, the hamster needs to feel comfortable and not be disturbed. Make sure to keep the cage clean and provide a substrate nest made with torn-up toilet paper.
Feeding routine is crucial for baby hamsters. For the first week, they should be fed milk with a syringe. For the second week, a mix of milk and formula can be introduced. By the third week, solid foods like bananas, grapes, and broccoli can be added.
Before 3 weeks old, baby hamsters need a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to check the temperature regularly and provide a heat source if necessary. Remember that smaller, weaker pups may need extra attention and hand-feeding.
Mother Hamster Behavior
You may notice that your mother hamster has stopped nursing her pups due to various reasons such as stress, fear, inexperience, malnourishment, or a sickly pup. In such cases, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and take appropriate action to ensure the survival of the young.
Some common signs of a stressed mother hamster include pacing, vocalizations, and aggression towards the pups. To alleviate stress, try to create a comfortable and quiet environment for the mother hamster. Avoid handling the pups too much, and ensure that the cage is clean and well-maintained.
If the mother hamster is still reluctant to nurse her young, there are several solutions that can be tried. First, try to introduce a surrogate mother hamster to nurse the pups. If that’s not possible, consider hand-feeding smaller or weaker pups with a syringe and a mix of milk and formula.
Be patient and observe the behavior of the mother hamster, as it may take time for her to adjust to motherhood. Remember that the health and survival of the young depend on the care and attention given to the mother hamster.
With patience and observation, you can ensure successful mother hamster care and the well-being of the young.
Surrogate Mother Options
Did you know that finding a surrogate mother hamster can be an effective solution if your mother hamster is unable or unwilling to nurse her young?
Fostering options include finding a female hamster who has recently given birth and introducing her to the litter. This option requires careful monitoring to ensure the surrogate accepts the new pups and does not harm them.
Another option is to use a nursing bottle and hand-raise the pups yourself. However, hand raising techniques increase the risk of death, especially for first-time owners.
If you decide to use a surrogate mother, make sure to introduce her to the pups within the first few hours of birth. Signs of nursing behavior should be shown, such as the surrogate licking and grooming the pups.
If the surrogate does not accept the pups, remove them immediately to avoid harm. It is important to carefully monitor the surrogate and the pups during the fostering period to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully learned about the possible reasons why your hamster may stop feeding her babies. It’s important to provide a stress-free environment for your hamster by keeping their cage clean, quiet, and well-fed. A healthy and well-nourished mother hamster is more likely to care for her young.
If you find that your hamster isn’t feeding her babies, there are a few options for you to consider. You can try to hand-feed the pups or find a surrogate mother to take care of them. It’s crucial to act quickly because newborn hamsters require regular feedings every two to three hours.
Understanding the behavior of mother hamsters and their young is essential to ensure the survival of the pups. By providing a comfortable and safe environment and being proactive in caring for the young, you can help your hamster family thrive. Remember, a healthy hamster mom means happy hamster babies!
