Is a two year old dwarf hamster too old to breed?
March 26th, 2009 | by admin |
Satoshi asked:
I have a male Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster turning 2 years old at the end of the month, and a female (about 6-8 months old) that the pet shop I work at has recently rescued. We’re interested in having a breeding pair and I was wondering if my male is considered too old to breed without risk to his health.
I have a male Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster turning 2 years old at the end of the month, and a female (about 6-8 months old) that the pet shop I work at has recently rescued. We’re interested in having a breeding pair and I was wondering if my male is considered too old to breed without risk to his health.
Please, I’d prefer answers from people (generally breeders) who have actual knowledge on this. I want no risk to come to my precious little boy, so I’m researching before making decisions. Thanks.
NOTE: Potential babies will have homes. Like I said above, I work in a pet shop, and we want to offer healthy dwarves as pets (the only other store selling them has very poor looking animals in sad living conditions). Our previos breeding pair was retired so that they didn’t over breed and risk their health and the pups.
Caffeinated Content
4 Responses to “Is a two year old dwarf hamster too old to breed?”
By texelgirl2 on Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
if he’s not proven, or in bad health I would think so. 2 is getting old for a Hamster. As long as its the Male you could try it, but it can determine the health and vitality of the offspring. If you looking to make a quick buck go ahead and breed him, if your looking to breed quality, healthy, and lively babies, then dont.
PS About the quick buck comment, I was being sarcastic about breeding him… sorry I was not encouraging you to do so. I should be more clearer.
By Bonsylar on Mar 30, 2009 | Reply
Well, hamsters only live 3-5 years, so he’s on the old side.
BUT, males are capable of breeding until their bones creak with the effort.
He should be fine, BUT!
Please reconsider breeding. We don’t need any more hamsters.
Also, make sure you have places for them to go. Pet stores usually don’t take them.
By xx_allisonn_xx on Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
The males age isn’t as important as the females age since the female needs to be healthy and young enough to carry a litter and care for them. But I hope you know what your getting yourself into with breeding…there is no profit in it and if you realize there are to many hamsters in your house its really hard to find homes for all of them!
By therodentguy on Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
At his age, he may not have a lot of interest. And trying to get him and the female at her age to co-habitate, it could be rough. She is actually near the end of her productive life, especially since she may not have bred before. You are looking at some possible fighting and stress to the max.
I dont think I would risk a pet to breed babies for the shop. RDH are pretty common, so I bet you can find a young pair to breed if that is what you are wanting to do.
IF you are set on having a litter sired by him, to minimize fighting, I would find a tiny baby girl (like 4-6 weeks), that he would see as a less aggressive mate, and hope they make a litter before he passes.