Postpartum Care for a New Mother Hamster: Tips & Guidan

1. As the female hamster approaches her due date, it's crucial for the owner to separate her from the male, placing the pregnant female in a solitary, clean, cozy, and warm cage. The surroundings should be kept quiet and the lighting dim to ensure her comfort. The owner should provide ample food and water, and to boost her nutrition, it's advisable to offer mealworms. Particularly after giving birth, if the mother feels hungry, she might consume her offspring to sustain her milk supply for the remaining pups.2. During the lactation period, it's best to avoid moving the mother hamster's cage. She should ideally continue nursing where she gave birth to prevent her from feeling anxious and potentially carrying her pups to the original nest. The frequency of cage cleaning should also be reduced, focusing only on removing wet and soiled areas, and avoiding disturbance to the rest of the cage. Newborn pups should not be touched directly by hand, as this can leave a different scent on them, causing the mother to potentially reject them or even eat them.3. Following birth, the mother hamster will stockpile food in her cheek pouches, fearing she might not have enough to nourish her pups. Therefore, the owner should continuously feed her瓜子 or similar snacks, regardless of her appetite, to soothe her anxiety. During lactation, the mother needs additional hydration to stimulate milk production, but she should not drink excessively to avoid diarrhea. Offering her plenty of cabbage leaves can be beneficial; they are hydrating, thirstquenching, and allow the hamster to regulate her intake. Cabbage leaves are also rich in roughage, which can stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and even clean out intestinal waste. Their benefits are numerous. Mealworms, being a highly nutritious treat, should also be provided in abundance to support milk production and the mother's postpartum recovery.Postpartum warmth and nutrition are paramount for the hamster, helping to prevent colds and weakness, and alleviating any unease she may experience due to giving birth and nursing. For those eager to delve deeper into hamster care, consulting an online veterinary expert can provide further guidance.