If you have several hamsters and plan to keep them in the same cage, it is important to know their sex; you certainly don't want to end up with an entire litter, especially if you're not prepared to raise it. To determine their sex, you can directly examine the genitals; if you can't follow this method, you can take advantage of other factors, such as the size and odor of the glands. Proceed with extreme caution when observing the sexual characters of your little friends, to avoid accidents or injuries during the process.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examine the Genitals
Step 1. Turn the pet over carefully
Gently grab him and put him on his back. Hamsters, especially younger ones, can resist this procedure; move slowly and with utmost caution.
- Cupped your hand and let the hamster climb on it; once on the palm, turn it over while moving carefully.
- You can also gently squeeze both hands around his body and slowly place him on his back; be careful not to crush it and hold it firmly. Hamsters don't like being kept on their backs and your rodent friend may fidget and get in your way.
Step 2. Locate the genitals
They are located near the tail; you have to gently open his paws to see clearly. Hamsters have two holes near the tail: one is the anus and the other represents the genitals.
- You can also divide the fur to get a better look at the area.
- If he starts to fidget and squirm, he may need help from a friend.
Step 3. Check the distance between the two openings
You can distinguish the genitals by looking at the distance between these two holes; in the case of a male specimen, there is a clear distance between the anus and the genital opening, while in the females the two orifices are almost united, so close to each other that they could almost seem like a single opening.
Part 2 of 3: Observe other Physical Signs
Step 1. Look for the nipples
It is not always possible to clearly see the hamster's genitals. Even if you have turned it upside down, the thick and dense hair could prevent you from identifying them clearly; if this is the case, pay attention to the nipples, as they are usually a clear sign of a female.
- Run your fingers gently over the hamster's chest.
- If it is a female, you should feel two rows of nipples on the abdomen; you can separate the fur to see the skin and confirm it.
- If you can't find them, the hamster could be a boy; however, those of young females may be subtle and difficult to notice.
Step 2. Look for the testicles
If the small rodent does not allow itself to be put on its back, observe it when it moves; in the case of a male specimen, the gonads are sometimes clearly visible.
- When viewed from behind, the testicles of an elderly dog appear pronounced, pointed and you may notice a bulge near the penis in the tail area.
- A female's back shows no bumps and has a smoother appearance.
- If you have a young hamster, you may have a hard time seeing the testicles.
Step 3. Consider the size
As the pet grows, it becomes easier to determine its sex. The male is generally longer and wider than the female; if your little friend is visibly larger than another hamster in the cage, it is likely a male.
Part 3 of 3: Determining Your Gender Safely
Step 1. Don't try to define it until the hamster is 3 or 4 weeks old
It is not possible to recognize it before this age, as the genitals have not yet fully formed and trying to understand the sex could put stress on the pet.
Step 2. Do not turn it upside down if it resists
The best way to understand the sex of a hamster is to look at its genitals; however, not all specimens allow themselves to be placed in the supine position. If your little rodent starts squirming and biting or tries to resist in all ways, don't try this method, but try others to examine his genitals.
- You can try to put it on a glass surface and observe the reflection of the genitals; for example, place it on a table or on a glass sphere.
- If you drop it, it could injure itself; although it is important to define their sex, it is not worth putting their health at risk.
Step 3. Separate the dwarf hamsters when they are about one month old
If you want to avoid unwanted pregnancies, this is the right age to separate them; have two separate cages ready, one for the males and the other for the females.
