Feeding a Newborn Hamster: Essential Guidelines
1. Newborn hamsters typically require mother's milk for nourishment. However, if the mother hamster is unable to produce enough milk, you can opt for goat's milk as an alternative. Feeding can be done using a small syringe, with small portions administered multiple times a day. It's crucial to maintain the milk temperature at a consistent 37°C. For the first few days, feed your newborn hamster every two hours. As the hamster grows and develops fur, you can gradually increase the feeding intervals.
2. The bedding in your hamster's cage should be thick enough, ideally no less than 20cm in depth. The material should be soft and breathable, and multiple hiding spots should be provided. It's essential to clean the soiled bedding, food bowls, and water bottles daily to maintain hygiene. Additionally, the cage should be washed once a month. When cleaning, retain some of the old bedding and place it in a fresh cage to help the hamster recognize its familiar scent.
3. Baby hamsters are particularly sensitive to their environment. Avoid frequent disturbances, as this can cause them stress. Never handle a baby hamster with your bare hands to prevent transferring human scent, which can lead to the hamster losing its own identity. If the baby hamster was born during winter, ensure proper heating to prevent colds and potential lifethreatening illnesses. It's best not to separate the baby from its mother unless necessary, as the mother's presence offers the baby a sense of security.
4. If the mother and baby hamsters are kept in the same cage, avoid placing exercise wheels and toys inside. This prevents the mother from neglecting her baby while playing with these items. Sometimes, the mother may pick up the baby, which could be an attempt to move the nest. Rest assured, but always ensure the mother has an ample supply of food, as hunger can drive her to eat her baby.
Once the baby hamster reaches approximately two months of age, it can start eating solid food. At this stage, it's advisable not to house multiple hamsters together in the same cage to prevent fights. For further guidance on hamster care, feel free to consult an online veterinarian.
