Baby hamster advice?

[*future vet*]

Hi, my neighbor/friend"s hamster had babies, they were three weeks old yesterday. There were 8 and she ate two of them... how old do they have to be to be sold, and what should we do? It's so sad. Thanks for any advice!!!

[flamepony12]

Make sure they're kept in a calm, quiet place. This should keep the mother from eating them until they're old enough to sell.

[*iluvskipper*]

kell, i' pretty sure that you can give 'em away or sell them when they are weaned. who agrees????

[*future vet*]

Oh yeah, *iluvskipper* is my neighbor, so you know.

[Jessika]

Make sure they're kept in a calm, quiet place. This should keep the mother from eating them until they're old enough to sell.

Yes I agree with this.. if they're weaned too that should be a good sign that they're ready to be given away or sold (why do you need to sell them? Surely you aren't a breeder or you would already know this information, correct?). Separate the males from females AS SOON as possible! Also after a momma has her babies you should take the dad away because he can impregnate her again immediately after giving birth. So if the dad is still in the cage chances are likely she's pregnant again.

[lv4dogs]

It should be safe to take them away at 4 weeks of age. They should be fully weened by then and they can start to re-produce right around then too!

Has she eaten any lately? Usually if they live past the first few days or so they are safe. If she is still eating them then I'd be worried.
They are known to eat the babies for a number of reasons. The babies may have possibly had some sort of problem & the mother ate them because she didn't think they would survive, or if she had a huge litter she may eat the runts as she is afraid she won't be able to feed them properly. If there are other hamsters around she may eat them out of fear or stress. If you bother her too soon after the babies are born she may eat them out of stress as well.

[Miss Z]

I've had baby hammies!!!! check out the thread entitled Rat Breeding?? how?? on Pet Behavior to see some advice to save me typing it again!