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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 23 days old

Hi. I adoped a 3 month old syrian girl yesterday. I think she may be pregnant and i would like a second opinion. She is nesting and hoarding her food. She is larger than any other syrian i have owned and her nipples are darker than normal. She is jumpy and spat at the worker when i collected her yesterday.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G, MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2019

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.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2016

    If it has been over a month since she has been with a male hamster and hasn't gone into labor than she is probably not pregnant. The normal gestation in 15-21 days. She may have been experiencing a false pregnancy or she may be exhibiting signs of an illness. Have a vet take a look at her to determine the cause.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2017

    Was honey with a male hamster? If so she could be pregnant. I would recommend just keeping her comfortable with soft bedding and good amount/quality of food. Usually hamsters do not have issues with giving birth. Good luck with honey.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart 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
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
Health & Wellness
My hamster is nesting, hoarding food, and has a lump. Is she pregnant?
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.
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
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
Training & Behavior
My hamster just had newborn babies. When can I safely touch them?
Yes, usually after about 2 weeks you can start tohandle them . They can reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 weeks old so make sure to separate males and females by that time. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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