Yes
Hamsters do exhibit the behavior of eating their own offspring. This behavior is mainly caused by factors such as environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies, health problems of the offspring, and instinctive reactions.
Analysis of the Main Causes
Environmental Stress and Disturbance
A small cage, excessive noise, or frequent human interference (such as touching the offspring, which changes their smell) can make the mother hamster nervous. She may mistakenly think that her offspring are in danger and choose to eat them.
An environment with strong light or strange odors can also disrupt the mother hamster's nerves and increase her aggression.
Nutritional Deficiencies
When there is a lack of key nutrients such as protein and vitamin B3 during pregnancy and lactation, the mother hamster may eat her offspring to replenish her own energy. In particular, a diet mainly consisting of corn is likely to trigger this behavior.
Health Problems of the Offspring
Offspring with congenital developmental problems or weakness may be regarded by the mother hamster as a "waste of resources." By eliminating the weak offspring, she ensures the survival of healthy descendants.
Instinct and Lack of Experience
In the wild, when food is scarce, hamsters will sacrifice some of their offspring to preserve the group. This instinct may persist in artificial breeding.
Mother hamsters giving birth for the first time may accidentally eat their offspring due to a lack of parenting experience.
Preventive Measures
Optimize the Breeding Environment: Provide a spacious, quiet, and light-shielded cage to reduce external interference.
Strengthen Nutritional Supply: Supplement high-protein foods (such as mealworms and egg whites) and vitamin B3 during pregnancy, and avoid a single diet of corn.
Reduce Human Contact: Avoid directly touching the offspring to prevent the mixing of smells.
Separate Cage Management: Male hamsters need to be isolated in a timely manner to reduce the risk of attack.
If you need to further understand the postnatal care of hamsters or the nutritional needs of hamsters, you can specifically optimize the breeding strategy.