The number of babies a hamster can have per litter typically breaks down like this:
1. Typical Litter Sizes
- Most hamsters give birth to 1–12 babies per litter, with 5–8 being the average.
- First-time mother hamsters usually have smaller litters (1–4 babies), and subsequent litters may be larger.
2. Rare Cases
- In very rare instances, a litter can reach 14–16 babies, but this is uncommon.
- While 7 babies in a litter are rare, they still fall within the normal range.
3. Factors That Matter
- Breed, the mother’s health, and her nutrition directly affect litter size.
- About 50%–70% of babies survive. Keep the environment between 68–86°F (20–30°C) to boost survival rates.
Note: Larger litters can lead to weaker babies, so extra post-birth care is important.