Should I breed my Russian Dwarf Hamster?

Question

I bought a Russian Dwarf Hamster some time ago. She's sweet, gentle, and extremely cute. Iwant to breed her because I think it would be a good experience for me and my little sister. I already looked up all the info I need on how to take care of the babies and how to breed. I was just wondering what you guys would think about it.

Answer 1

you should not breed just to know what it's like. remeber that inbreeding may occur along with other problems with the pups such as defects that will slow down the other pup wich cause cannibalism. plus you have to have home lined up for them. most pet stores will not take them off of your hands. they must also have good genetics to survive. you will also have to provide for all of them until you find a good home for them. it's just better off not to do it. i was going to breed my hamster until i found all of the consiquences and that the pet store won't take them, and cannabalism is a threat. please choose wisely in this subject.

Answer 2

what would you do with the babies? if you have found homes for them, then i guess there is no problem with doing it. i'm not sure why it would be a good experience though. the only thing i can see being beneficial from it would be that it would teach you responsibility but as long as you are taking care of your russian dwarf, you are already getting a lesson in responsibility.

Answer 3

No http://www.geocities.com/calhamassoc/Bef...

Answer 4

Breeding for the "experience" Is not a good reason in my eyes.

Until you can answer every single one of these questions thoughtfully and honestly, please don't risk the lives of your hamsters and any potential pups.

1. Do I know when a female is in heat? Or how often she goes into heat?

2. Do I have at least 20 people lined up to take the pups?

3. If I choose to keep the pups, do I have a 20 cages for a possible 20 pups, plus cages for each parent?

4. Do I know what to do if anything goes wrong, and I must handfeed the pups?

5. What is the genetic bloodline of each parent I plan to use?

6. What is a lethal gene or semi-lethal gene that could cause problems for the pups?

7. Do I know how long gestation lasts?

8. Do I put male with female, female with male, or introduce them on neutral ground?

9. Why do I want to breed?

10. Are the parents related? What are possible consequences for inbreeding?

11. How long should the female rest between litters?

12. How many litters should the female have in her lifetime?

13. Does the male and/or female become infertile, and if so, at what age?

14. What kind of diet should Mom be given during pregnancy and nursing?

15. At what age do I wean the pups and put them into seperate-gender cages?

16. At what age does each pup need to move into a solitary enclosure?

17. What bedding should/shouldn't I use?

18. Am I prepared for any possible disaster that could occur?

19. Do I have money set aside should I need to rush the hamster family to the vet?

20. Can I deal emotionally with problems, i.e. cannibalism, watching pups die painfully, etc.?

21. What are all the terms used in breeding? How well is my vocabulary as far as breeding is concerned?