Hamsters are generally weaned around 3 to 4 weeks after they are born. This time range is the optimal solution after taking into account information from multiple sources. However, the actual weaning time needs to be adjusted according to individual differences and environmental factors.
Explanation of Key Details
Basic Time Range
Most baby hamsters complete the weaning transition within 21 to 28 days (3 to 4 weeks). By this time, their teeth and digestive systems have developed the ability to eat independently.
If there is a relatively large number of baby hamsters in a litter (for example, 8 to 12), the weaning period can be extended to 4 weeks to ensure that all the baby hamsters have enough time for development.
Basis for Judging the Weaning Time
Behavioral Signals: Baby hamsters start to actively gnaw on objects and show interest in solid foods, such as special hamster food and chopped vegetables.
Physiological Signals: The mother hamster gradually refuses to nurse, and the baby hamsters' teeth have mostly grown out (you can observe the length of their front teeth).
Handling of Special Situations
Difference in Constitution: For baby hamsters with a weaker constitution, the lactation period can be extended to 4 weeks. But it is necessary to wean the healthy baby hamsters first to avoid excessive exhaustion of the mother hamster.
Consideration of Gender: Male hamsters will enter the estrus period after weaning. To prevent them from breeding with the mother hamster, it is recommended to separate male hamsters from the mother and female hamsters 1 to 3 days earlier.
Precautions After Weaning
Diet Transition:
Provide special hamster food for baby hamsters as the main diet, supplemented with a small amount of fresh vegetables (such as chopped carrots) or nutritional purees.
Avoid foods high in sugar or fat. In the initial stage, pet goat milk powder can be added to enhance nutrition.
Separate Cage Management:
The baby hamsters and the mother hamster should be separated and raised in different cages at the latest within 4 weeks to prevent the baby hamsters from breeding too early.
Male and female baby hamsters also need to be separated into different cages at around 1 month old to avoid inbreeding.
Risk Warning: If the baby hamsters experience abnormalities such as weight loss and diarrhea after weaning, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian or a professional breeder in a timely manner.