Can I safely breed my hamster again after a difficult first litter?

Thank you for using Pet Coach to address your questions about Shine and your male hamster. That is unusual behavior. Hamsters can produce prolifically. So only producing two litters makes me concerned that something in one of the hamster's body is not normal. Likely one of them has abnormalities in the reproductive tract making it difficult to conceive. I would agree with the other vet that something was likely wrong in the milk which is why the pups didn't make it. Additionally, hamsters generally live 2-3 years. At their ages, fertility is going to be significantly decreased. At Shine's age, I would also be hesitant to breed her again. Pregnancy in older animals carries higher risks. I'm not sure there is anything you can do to increase fertility short of seeing a specialist for hormone supplements. If you are looking to breed hamsters again, I would advise to get a young adult female OR get a new pair of a male and female. Younger hamsters have much better fertility rates. I hope I have answered your questions. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello there! I suggest getting in touch with a hamster rescue or local animal shelter to surrender the hamsters. You could also post an ad on Petfinder, though do be careful to screen potential adopters. In the meantime, I strongly suggest separating your males from your females in order to prevent new pregnancies. As a very last resort, which you may not have thought to consider, is to donate your hamsters to a wildlife, reptile, or raptor rescue to be used as feeders. I know that sounds terrible, but if you truly cannot provide for them, it is an option that is humane and could save other animals' lives. If you plan on keeping any hamsters, be sure that you keep one/two females or one male so you don't get any more unwanted babies. Good luck, and I hope that if Lucrecia is pregnant, that she has a healthy and uneventful gestation.

Winter White hamsters have an average of 3-9 pups (baby hamsters). They can have as few as 1 or as many as 14. The pup may have died due to illness or lack of care, especially if this was the first breeding. The female will go into heat again almost immediately after delivery. Gestation is about 3 weeks.

Thanks for reaching out about Hazel and including photos. I assume she has had access to a male in the last 2 weeks. If labored breathing and pregnant, than probably close to delivery. All other hamsters should be removed to allow her to have quiet. If not pregnant, a respiratory disease, abdominal mass or infection need be considered and a veterinary visit is highly recommended, ASAP. Good luck.

I am sorry for the loss of your hamster. A clean, warm, stress free environment is critical to the health of any pet. Stress can predispose a hamster to serious infection. Provide a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys to keep teeth worn down. Your veterinarian can trim teeth if necessary. Regular veterinary checks are also strongly recommended.

I'm sorry that you lost your hamster recently! Unfortunately your post was cut off, and the last bit of information I received was "Then, I bought a se....." I don't know what your question is for the experts, and ask that you please post again so that I or another expert can help you!

Thanks for reaching out. Contact a local pet store (Petco, Petsmart, other) or a humane society, for possible relinquishment, if babies are weaned and eating on their own. Separation into smaller groups might help in the short term, but you need many cages. Good luck.