Accepted Answer

Hello,

If your hamster was in with other hamsters at the pet store, there's an excellent chance that she is pregnant. However, some of the behaviors you're seeing are normal for hamsters. They are nocturnal animals, and it's normal for them to sleep during the day, and to be irritable if someone wakes them up. Making nests and hiding food are also normal behaviors. If your hamster was only holding her eyes closed, that may have been because the light was too bright. If they were actually swollen shut, there's likely to be a medical problem. Swollen eyes can indicate an infection, a dental problem, or an impacted cheek pouch. All require a visit to the vet for treatment.

It's very difficult to tell if a hamster is pregnant until a few days before she gives birth. However, you may notice that her sides look full, especially when she stands up. Teddy bear hamsters usually take 14-18 days from mating until they give birth, although it can take up to 20 days. Most females begin nest-building a few days in advance.
Since you can't tell for sure if she's pregnant, just make sure you give her a nutritious diet and keep her bedding clean. Put in a few squares of plain white toilet paper for her to make a nest. If 20 days (from the day you brought her home) pass, and she doesn't have babies, then you no longer have to worry about her being pregnant.

If you do end up with hamster pups, here's a site with good information on how to raise them:   

http://www.hamsterific.com/RaisingPups.cfm

Be sure not to disturb them for the first ten days. Disturbances, even cleaning the cage, can cause the mother to kill and eat the babies. If you have further questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY.


Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/16/2008

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant