Hamster Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS

Male

• Scent gland on each flank to mark territory.
• Teats are absent.

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Female

• Seasonally polyoestrus
• Oestrus every 5-7 days
  • Secrete copious white vaginal discharge during oestrus.
• Post-partum oestrus

• Mating may be confirmed by the presence of a 'copulatory plug'.
  • A creamy, gelatinous plug formed from secretions of the male accessory glands.

• 6 pairs of teats

• Syrian (Golden) hamster
  • Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks
  • Gestation period: 6-8 days
  • Litter size 5-9: offspring
  • Weaned at 21-28 days.

• Russian Hamster
  • Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks
  • Gestation period: 6-8 days
  • Litter size: 4 offspring
    • Will cannabilise young if disturbed.
  • Weaned at 16-18 days.

• Chinese Hamster
  • Sexually mature at 7-14
  • Gestation period 7-14 days
  • Litter size: 4 offspring
    • Will cannabilise young if disturbed.
  • Weaned at 21 days.