Have you ever wanted to know the gender of your hamster but didn't know how? Knowing the sex of your hamster can be very important, especially if you have more than one hamster and don't want to breed with each other. Determining the sex of your hamster only takes a few steps, including knowing what to look for. Hamsters don't like being tipped over when you're trying to find out the gender, but this process is fast and after that you can tell if your pet is male or female.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Restraint the Hamster
Step 1. Wait for the right time to examine your hamster
In determining the sex of your hamster, you need to look at the bottom and bottom of the hamster. Your best chance is to wait until your hamster is alert and relaxed to be examined. You can get bitten if you try to grip a sleeping or stressed hamster.
Try giving your hamster treats and attention. Hamsters don't like being tipped over (which you will need to do) so petting your hamster and making him feel comfortable will help the process go smoothly
Step 2. Try to use a large bowl or box lined with a towel
This will give your hamster a soft place to land if it wriggles out of your grasp. You'll also need to keep the hamster cooped up so it doesn't fall over and run away.
Step 3. Take the scruff of the hamster
To safely restrain your hamster, approach it calmly, and don't startle it. Place one hand on top of the hamster with the thumb and forefinger resting on the shoulder blade. Grasp the loose skin just above your shoulder between your thumb and forefinger to control your head and prevent your hamster from biting you.
- Do not tug on the hamster's skin or try to lift it by simply pinching the nape of the neck.
- Also, don't grip the nape too tightly, as this can pull on the hamster's eyelids and cause the eyeballs to pop out of their sockets.
Step 4. Lift and overturn the hamster
Use the other hand to support the hamster's body. Use your free hand to support your hamster's weight, lift it and flip it over so that it rests on the palm of the hand you used to grab the nape. By now, the hamster's entire body should be well supported.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Sex Differences in Adult Hamsters
Step 1. Look at the size of the hamster
Male hamsters are generally larger than females. This method doesn't help if you don't have any other hamsters to compare with. While it's not 100 percent accurate, it will help you guess the sex of your hamster.
When you look at the male hamster from above, the back will appear more pointed and raised, while the female hamster has a rounded bottom
Step 2. Look at the underside of the hamster, near where the tail is
Hamsters usually reach peak sexual maturity at about 35 days of age, and in adult hamsters, the sex differences are easy to spot. The testicles of male hamsters make their buttocks appear prominent and almond-shaped, while female hamsters have flat bottoms.
Step 3. Examine the hamster's nipples on the abdomen, and check the area just below the tail
If you see testicles, it means the hamster is male. If your hamster doesn't have testicles and has nipples, it's a female.
- In dwarf hamster species (dwarf), the male also has a scent gland that is clearly visible. In adult males, these glands usually have a clear yellow color and are located in the umbilical area. This area is in the middle of the abdomen, roughly around the navel area.
- If you can't tell the difference between a male and female hamster, the animal is not yet sexually mature enough.
Method 3 of 3: Distinguishing the Sex of an Immature Hamster
Step 1. Find the two openings in the bottom of the hamster
This opening usually looks like a pink circle and the edges are slightly raised. The hamster's anus is just below the tail, and the urogenital opening, the urinary and genital organs, is above the anus towards the middle of the abdomen.
Step 2. Assess the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening
Sex differences are harder to spot in very young hamsters, but it can be done by looking at the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening. In females, these openings are very close together. You may even have trouble telling them apart so that the urogenital opening, which in this case is the vulva, and the anus looks almost like a single opening or structure. In males, these two openings are further apart so there is a significant distance between the anus and the urogenital opening.
You may also notice a small swelling in the groin area in male hamsters. These will be hamster testicles
Step 3. Check your hamster again next time if you're not sure
If you can only find one opening, especially if it's large enough, it's most likely a female. However, recheck your hamster as often as possible or consult an experienced veterinarian. These openings can be quite faint in very young hamsters, especially if the species is a small dwarf.
The hamster that is most commonly kept as a pet, the Syrian hamster, is a solitary animal and needs to be kept in a separate cage so that early sex determination is not necessary. On the other hand, dwarf hamsters are kept in single-gender groups so you will need to check on them frequently until the gender becomes clear. This will help you avoid accidental pregnancy in the hamster group
Tips
- Remember that hamsters are prey animals and are prone to stress. It may be tempting to calm an agitated hamster by petting or speaking in a soft voice, as to a kitten or dog, but it's best to leave your hamster alone in its cage after being held for a long time.
- The more hamsters you can examine, the better you will be at determining the sex of a very young hamster.
- If your hamster suddenly gains weight, it is likely that she is pregnant. You will need to learn how to care for a baby hamster but at least now you know the gender!
- Separate male and female hamsters. Once you've determined the sex of your hamster, you'll need to separate the male and female hamsters if you don't want to breed them. If this is not done, it is almost certain that the female hamster will become pregnant. In fact, it's often better to leave your hamster alone in his cage. Some breeds, such as the Syrian hamster, tend to fight with adult hamsters.
- If it's your first time raising a hamster, make sure you don't have any crumbs on your hands so you don't get bitten by the hamster. It is best to supervise small children when they handle these animals. It's a good idea to wash your hands before handling your hamster.
