How Many Babies Can a Hamster Have in One Litter?
1. Litter Sizes by Breed
- Syrian Hamster (Golden Bear): 4–17 babies per litter, the most prolific breed.
- Dwarf Winter White (Pudding, Silver Fox, Violet): 2–12 babies, typically 4–6.
- Dwarf Campbell (First Line, Snowball): 1–10 babies, averaging 3–5.
- Roborovski Dwarf Hamster: 4–8 babies, smallest in size but steady breeders.
2. Factors Affecting Litter Size
- Mother’s Health: Healthy adult females have larger litters; older or weak mothers may only have 1–3 babies.
- Environment: Ideal temperature (64–79°F / 18–26°C) and ample food boost litter size.
- Genetics & Crossbreeding: Mixing Syrians with dwarf hamsters can cause difficult births or birth defects.
3. Breeding Risks to Note
- Overbreeding Dangers: Syrians can have up to 20 babies, but large litters lead to maternal malnutrition or neglect.
- Cage Separation Need: Weaned babies must be separated by 4 weeks to prevent fighting.
Quick Summary:
- Small Hamsters (Roborovski): 4–6 babies/litter on average.
- Medium Hamsters (Silver Fox, Pudding): 5–8 babies/litter on average.
- Large Hamsters (Syrian): 8–12 babies/litter on average, up to 17 in extreme cases.
Pro Tip: If you’re not breeding, keep hamsters separated to avoid overpopulation and health issues.