What is an estrous cycle?
An estrous cycle is a series of phases that occur every four days in female hamsters who are sexually mature. Unlike the human menstrual cycle, which lasts about 28 days and involves bleeding from the uterus, the hamster estrous cycle does not involve any blood loss. Instead, it involves a thick white discharge from the vagina that signals to male hamsters that the female is ready to mate.
The estrous cycle begins at night when your hamster is most active and lasts for 12 hours. During this time, your hamster may show some behavioral changes such as being more restless, vocalizing more often, or rubbing her hindquarters on objects. She may also allow you to touch her more easily than usual.
The estrous cycle ends when your hamster ovulates and releases one or more eggs from her ovaries. If she mates with a male during this time, she can become pregnant and give birth to a litter of pups after about 16 days of gestation.
The estrous cycle will stop when your hamster becomes too old to reproduce or when she is pregnant. However, some hamsters may continue to have cycles even after they are no longer fertile.
How to tell if your hamster is in heat?
The easiest way to tell if your hamster is in heat is to look for the white discharge from her vagina . You may also notice some swelling or redness around her genital area. You can use a cotton swab or a tissue paper to gently wipe her vagina and check for the discharge.
Another way to tell if your hamster is in heat is to observe her behavior . She may be more active than usual, running around her cage or exploring new areas. She may also make more noises such as squeaks or chirps. She may also show interest in male hamsters if they are nearby or try to escape from her cage to find them.
A third way to tell if your hamster is in heat is to perform a back test. This is a simple test that involves gently stroking your hamster’s back from her head to her tail. If she is in heat, she will freeze in place, arch her back, and move her tail to one side. This is called the lordosis posture and it indicates that she is ready to accept a male.
How to breed your hamsters?
Breeding hamsters is not recommended for inexperienced owners, as it can be risky for both the mother and the pups. Hamsters can become aggressive during mating and may injure each other. They may also have genetic defects that can affect their health or appearance. If you decide to breed your hamsters, you should do some research on their genetic background and consult with a veterinarian beforehand.
To breed your hamsters, you will need a pair of healthy and compatible hamsters of the same species. You should wait until they are between 10 weeks and 15 months old, as this is the best time for them to reproduce. You should also make sure they are well-fed and have plenty of fresh water.
You should introduce your hamsters when the female is in heat, which happens every four days at night. You can use a neutral cage or an enclosure with two compartments separated by a wire mesh. This way, you can let them see and smell each other before letting them interact physically.
You should monitor their behavior closely and separate them if they show signs of aggression or stress. If they get along well, you can let them mate for about 15 minutes. You should then remove the male from the cage and leave the female alone.
You should not try to mate your hamsters more than once per cycle, as this can increase the risk of complications or infections. You should also avoid breeding your hamsters too often or too late in their lives, as this can affect their health and lifespan.
How to care for your pregnant hamster?
If your hamster becomes pregnant after mating, you will need to provide her with extra care and attention. Here are some tips on how to care for your pregnant hamster:
- Give her more food and water than usual. Pregnant hamsters need more calories and fluids to support their growing babies. You can offer her fresh fruits and vegetables, boiled eggs, cheese, or cooked chicken as treats. Make sure she always has access to clean water in a bottle or a bowl.
- Provide her with soft bedding material for nesting. Pregnant hamsters like to build a cozy nest for their babies using bedding material such as paper, hay, or cotton. You can place strips of toilet paper or facial tissues in the cage so she can use them for nesting. Avoid using wood shavings or sawdust as they can cause respiratory problems or injuries.
- Keep her cage clean and comfortable. Pregnant hamsters need a clean and stress-free environment to ensure a healthy birth. You should clean her cage at least once a week, removing any soiled bedding, food waste, or droppings. You should also check the cage for any sharp edges, loose wires, or broken parts that could harm your hamster or her babies.
- Avoid disturbing her as much as possible. Pregnant hamsters can be very sensitive and nervous during this time. They may become aggressive if they feel threatened or stressed by loud noises, bright lights, sudden movements, or unfamiliar smells. You should keep her cage in a quiet and dimly lit place away from other pets or children. You should also limit your handling of her to avoid upsetting her.
- Monitor her health and behavior closely. Pregnant hamsters may show some signs of discomfort or illness such as weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, bleeding, or discharge from the vagina . If you notice any of these symptoms , you should contact your vet immediately . Some complications that can occur during pregnancy include miscarriage , infection , dystocia (difficulty giving birth), eclampsia (low blood calcium), or pyometra (uterine infection).