What Are Hamster Breeders?

Hamster breeders choose adult male and female hamsters that are suitable for breeding and allow them to mate. Breeders can be hobby breeders or commercial breeders who sell the hamster pups to pet shops. Commercial breeders sometimes have many hamsters on rodent farms. There are several types of hamsters, such as the Chinese hamster, the Roborovski hamster and the winter white Russian hamster. Some breeders specialize in a particular type.

Hamsters hit puberty at six to eight weeks. Females have an estrus cycle that lasts four days. At a certain point in a female's cycle, she will come into heat. This happens at the end of the third day and lasts for up to 10 hours during the night. This is the correct time for breeders to introduce a male hamster in the hope the female will find him attractive.

Good hamster breeders will breed only healthy hamsters with good temperaments. Some hamster types, such as the Syrian hamster, have low genetic variation, so they have a high incidence of genetic defects. A good hamster breeder will breed in new blood from outside a colony if necessary. Hamster breeders sometimes breed close relatives, so new, unrelated blood is helpful. A breeder might also choose to breed only the hamsters who have particular traits that customers find appealing.

Hamster breeders need to understand their hamsters before allowing them to breed. Some hamsters, such as Syrian hamsters, require supervision during the mating process in case the male and the female fight. Dwarf hamsters or males and females that already live together typically can be left unsupervised.

A hamster pregnancy lasts 15-18 days. The female produces four to 12 pups that weigh only about a tenth of an ounce (about 3 g) each. A good breeder will then leave the pups and the mother alone for two weeks with enough food and water.

After this time, the breeder can accustom the pups to human touch. The pups should be weaned after three to four weeks. At about five weeks of age, the hamster pups are capable of breeding, so a responsible breeder will separate potential breeding pairs into different cages.

Some countries have a hamster breeding association, and breeders can sign up for membership. Some of these associations do not regulate the industry or inspect the breeding establishments. These associations are useful places for one to find a list of hamster breeders in a particular area. A good hamster breeder should be able to give a new owner instructions and help on how to care for his or her pet.

Hamster breeders specialize in the propagation and care of hamsters for the purpose of selling them as pets, for shows, or sometimes for research. They are responsible for maintaining healthy bloodlines, ensuring proper nutrition, socialization, and overall well-being of the hamsters in their care. Breeders also educate potential owners about hamster care and may provide ongoing support.

To find a reputable hamster breeder, look for those who prioritize the animals' health and welfare, are knowledgeable about hamster care, and transparent about their breeding practices. A good breeder will have a clean environment, healthy, well-socialized animals, and will be willing to answer all your questions. They should also provide health guarantees and support after adoption.

A healthy hamster should be alert, active, and free of any visible health issues like sores, bald patches, or discharge from the eyes or nose. According to the Humane Society, a healthy hamster will also have clean ears, a shiny coat, and a well-rounded body indicating proper nutrition and care from the breeder.

Responsible hamster breeders work to minimize genetic issues by carefully selecting breeding pairs to avoid hereditary diseases. They keep detailed records of lineage and health history to ensure the long-term health of their hamsters. However, not all genetic issues can be predicted, so breeders also monitor offspring and adjust breeding practices as needed.

Breeders may offer a variety of hamster species, including Syrian hamsters, which are solitary, and dwarf varieties like the Campbell's, Winter White, and Roborovski, which can sometimes live in pairs or groups. Breeders might also specialize in breeding hamsters with specific coat colors or patterns, known as "fancy" hamsters.

Buying a hamster from a breeder can be more expensive than purchasing one from a pet store due to the specialized care, selective breeding, and often healthier and better-socialized animals that breeders provide. However, the initial higher cost can be offset by potentially lower veterinary bills due to the better health of breeder hamsters.