Some of you may remember my report of the mighty Mr. T, the intrepid hamster who was on the lam for months, last year, found safe, sound, plump and no worse for the wear, after spending some months roaming the pipes and basement of our school. His teacher, Mrs. F, has since lost (and purchased, and lost again) at least 2 more hamsters. I took it upon myself to gently advise her to consider retiring her exercise wheel and to get some nice fish for the class. But she's a stubborn one, that Mrs. F...

Well, just a couple of hours ago, I passed Mrs. F. in the hall and she told me that she purchased yet another hamster for the class. A very sweet, brown little hamster. About 20 minutes ago, my class phone rings.

"Shelley! You're the expert! :rolleyes: What do I do? There are BABIES in the cage!!! They weren't there half an hour ago!! I think there are 7!!"

By the time I dropped my kids off at the cafeteria and got to her class, there were 9. Mrs. Hamster was in major nest-building mode. We covered the cage with a few towels to try to provide warmth, quiet and some privacy, so as not to stress her more. I have never seen anything so small in my life!! They were no bigger than my fingernail!

According to my book, hamsters have a gestation period of only 16 days so Mrs. Hamster was only 2 days preggers when Mrs. F bought her. I suggested she phone the pet store as they are likely to offer to provide her with free food, and may also take the babies back, to sell them when they are old enough (if they don't get eaten before that!). Eeeew!

Never a dull moment around here.... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Just call me Dr. Shelley...

Oh Shelley, Mrs. F. is so lucky to have you to turn to. What an exciting day that must have been. Keep us updated on the saga.

Rose

That is exactly why I don't have hamsters, or gerbils, or guinea pigs....

i work at a pet store (only to make sure the animals are properly cared for <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) and we have this problem with our mice all the time. its not fun. But perhaps theres a lesson for the kids in this? (had to ask, im studying to be a teacher). <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh how cute. I have a hamster and have bred her three times. The first time she had 5, the second we don't know because she ate them, and now she is pregnant again. She is due around June 4th. Hopefully she doesn't eat them again. The first litter she had little privacy and the babies were safe. The second litter she had complete privacy and ate them. We'll see how this one goes.