Why does a mother hamster eat her babies?

A mother hamster usually eats her babies because she lacks nutrition during lactation or has been stimulated and frightened. Nursing mothers consume a great deal of nutrients, and if the owner fails to provide enough food, extreme hunger or nutritional deficiency can drive her to eat the pups.

Therefore, during the lactation period the owner should make sure her nutritional needs are met. In addition, if the mother hamster suffers severe stress, fear, or anxiety during birth or nursing, she may also eat her babies.