How to Breed Hamsters

1 Prepare the Pair

First let the male and female each clean off their own scent so they don’t reject each other. Use a relatively open container, such as a large basin. If reusing a cage, wash it and add fresh bedding to remove old smells.

2 Supervise the Meeting

Place both in the open container and watch closely. At the first sign of provocation or fighting, tap their heads lightly with a chopstick to show fighting is not allowed. If a real brawl starts, separate them and try again later.

3 Move to a Smaller Space

Once they stop fighting, put them in a smaller container just big enough for two, so they bond and accept each other’s scent. Hamsters may still scrap, so keep supervising. Over time the female and male settle down together.

4 Co-habitat and Mating

If they can share overnight, they trust each other; move them into one cage for their life as a pair. A mature male is ready daily, but the female’s cycle after maturity is every 3 to 4 days; both in heat can mate several times a day, though not every mating leads to pregnancy.

During mating the male chases and mounts the female; if it fails he immediately chases her for a second try. If you do not want babies, stop this behavior when you see it. Consult an online vet if you have other questions.