Gestation

• Hamster babies (called pups) stay in the womb of their mother for a differing amount of time, depending on what hamster species they are. Syrian (golden) hamsters have a 16- to 18-day gestation, while many dwarf species will wait about 30 days before giving birth. Hamsters of any species can have anywhere from one to 26 pups.
  
  

Making a Nest

• A big clue that the female is getting ready for birth is when she makes a nest, which will be bigger and fluffier than her usual sleep hole. She will also be frantically storing away as much food as she can in her cage. She should be disturbed. Try to change the bedding a few days before she is scheduled to give birth and then don't do it until the babies are at least 1 week old. Otherwise, she may either eat her babies or attack you.
  
  

Delivery

• Hamster pups are born the way mammals are--they go through from the womb and out into the world through the mother's vaginal opening. Birth usually takes place in the very early hours of the morning, with about 20 minutes in between each pup. The mother will eat the placenta and umbilical cord. Pups are born tiny, blind and hairless.