Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My hamster is nesting, hoarding food, and has a lump. Is she pregnant?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Female | unspayed

Hello! I noticed a few days ago my hamster started acting a bit weird (hoarding food, building a huge nest and not going on her wheel) she also started to get a huge lump on her, I think she is pregnant but I’m not an expert so I was wondering if you could help?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2020

If Bean is building a nest, I suspect she may be pregnant! Their pregnant is only about 22 days, so you should know soon if she is pregnant or not. If there are other hamsters in the cage with her, move them out so she has her own space.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on November 6th, 2018
Thanks for reaching out about Hammy. The gestation period of hamster is 16-18 days, so she isn't pregnant if you've had her for 30 days. It sounds as if she is nesting and defensive. Even without being pregnant, she can go through hormonal periods. It is also possible for rodent to have a condition called "pseudo-pregnancy" where hormones make her body believe she is pregnant, and she will nest. Rodents are induced ovulators and don't come out of estrus (breeding mode) until breed.
The more you handle her to less scared she will be, but use a bowl or thick towel to gently scoop her up for handling. Be careful as they can obviously bite.
If she appears sick or lethargic, seek an examination with a exotic animal veterinarian.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is my female hamster pregnant? She mated, has a red bump.

With these pictures, I would guess she is pregnant. Gestation for a hamster is 15-18 days. On the third photo, it appears as if her mammary glands are developed. Usually hamsters start building a nest site in a corner. I would definitely separate her from the male as they can be aggressive during birthing. It is important to allow the female to have a quiet, minimally disturbed environment, especially during their first litter, to decrease the chance of rejection of babies by the mother.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My Syrian hamster is nesting. Is she pregnant after being with a male?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Indeed this may be just Rosie preparing herself a place to rest. I would not be too concerned as of now though if you wanted to check for a possible pregnancy, you would have to have her checked by a veterinarian for radiographs for example to see if that is the case. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is my recently adopted Syrian hamster pregnant? What are the signs?

Hello. I would guess that Smidge is indeed pregnant. Hamsters reach breeding age at 6-10 weeks & are pregnant an average of 13-22 days. Since she is new to you & her environment, it is important to not disturb her too much once she has her brood. Hamsters will often kill their litter if they feel threatened, so observe her carefully before reaching in to grab her. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my hamster pregnant? What are the signs and how do I prepare?

It will be difficult to tell if she is pregnant until the last week or so. You will generally see an enlargement of the abdomen and her mammary glands becoming more prominent. Right before she gives birth, she will lose her mucus plug and you may find that as well. Provide her with a clean cage, and material to make a nest. You may also provide her with a box (make sure it has a lid or no bottom so that you can check on things without disturbing the babies and mother). Mother hamsters can become stressed out easily and will fail to care for the young or even eat the young so it is very important not to handle the babies and mother after birth for the first 2-3 weeks. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

How long until my hamster gives birth after nesting and hoarding?

Gestation in hamsters averages about 16 days. Labor and delivery can be quick or can take a few hours. It really depends on the size of the litter. If she is nesting, leave her be. Stress or excessive handling may delay labor. Simply provide clean bedding and materials for her as well as food and water.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my dwarf hamster in labor? Big belly and heavy breathing.

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamster has a lump on her stomach. What is it and how to help?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to say what the lump is without seeing a photo of Poptart. Hamsters can get papillomas (warts) or cancerous masses as well as skin infections. While removal is likely to be one of the best options, you should try to keep the area as clean as possible and look out for any bleeding or ulceration of the growth. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share