Hey, it’s Matt here and I’ve got a funny story for ya. So, I remember back in college when I had a pet hamster.
He was the cutest little guy, always running around in his wheel and hoarding food in his cheeks. I named him “Peanut” because he was just so darn tiny.
Well, one day I was showing Peanut off to my friends and I decided to give him a little treat. I pulled out a baby carrot and placed it in his cage. And you know what he did?
He picked it up, looked at it for a second, then looked back at me like “Yo, what the hell is this? I ain’t no rabbit!”
I couldn’t stop laughing, but it also got me thinking about just how small baby hamsters are. I mean, Peanut was full grown at the time and he was still tiny enough to hold in the palm of my hand.
So I did some research and I’ve got all the juicy details for you in this article.
Baby hamsters are incredibly small, measuring only a few centimeters in length at birth.
Table of Contents
The Size of Baby Hamsters
When a baby hamster is born, they are incredibly small. In fact, they are so tiny that they can fit in the palm of your hand.
They typically measure between 2-4 centimeters in length and weigh between 3-5 grams.
Now, let’s put that in perspective. A baby hamster is about the size of a jellybean. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, about the size of a grape.
Why Are Baby Hamsters So Small?
Well, there’s a few reasons for this. First, hamsters have a high reproductive rate. This means that they have a lot of babies at once.
And, since they are small mammals, the more babies they have, the smaller each baby has to be.
Additionally, baby hamsters are born without fur and with their eyes closed. This means that they are not able to move around much and are completely dependent on their mother for survival. So, it makes sense that they would be born small.
How Do Baby Hamsters Grow?
Unlike humans, baby hamsters grow at an incredibly fast rate. They are able to double their weight in just one week.
And by the time they are 4 weeks old, they are already fully furred and have their eyes open.
By the time they are 8 weeks old, they are considered fully grown and ready to be on their own. This is when they are typically sold as pets.
FAQ
How long do baby hamsters typically live?
Baby hamsters typically live for 2-3 years.
Can baby hamsters be handled?
It is not recommended to handle baby hamsters until they are at least 4 weeks old and fully furred.
What do baby hamsters eat?
Baby hamsters are typically fed by their mother’s milk until they are 4 weeks old. After that, they can be fed a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a high-quality hamster food.
Wrapping it up
So, there you have it folks. Baby hamsters are tiny little creatures that can fit in the palm of your hand. But don’t let their size fool you, these critters grow up fast and can make great pets.
Just remember, if you’re ever offered a baby carrot as a treat, they probably won’t be impressed.