▷ Sex determination in hamsters | All information and details

Determining the sex of hamsters is not that easy, but it is possible.

Important here is the appropriate preparation and knowledge about determining the sex of adult animals and young animals.

The handling of the hamsters during sex determination should be done calmly and carefully.

The preparation

When determining sex, preparation is important so that the process happens as calmly and stress-free as possible. For this, the right time, the right atmosphere and important precautions must be observed.

The right time

It is important to wait for the right time to determine the sex of hamsters. hamsters are nocturnal and only wake up at dusk. Disturbing or waking the hamster while it is sleeping is mental stress on the animal which can make it seriously ill.

Owners should therefore wait until the animals are awake and relaxed before sexing the animals.

Also should the holder enough time plan for yourself in order to be able to act calmly and relaxed with the animal. The state of mind of humans is transferred to animals. Nothing is worse for hamsters when they are stressed.

The right atmosphere

Owners should try to make sexing as comfortable as possible for their hamster. You can do this with a quiet atmospherethe exceptional gift of treats (put them at hand) and calm words.

Observe precautionary measures

Hamsters are very agile animals and do not like being handled or picked up. For this reason, they will probably fidget during sex determination. As a mere precaution, it is recommended that sex determination be performed ground level perform and under your own hands one padded box or laying out a bowl. This box or bowl can be padded with cloths, for example.

If the hamster accidentally escapes from the grip and falls down, it lands softly and can also be picked up quickly by the handler.

Get the hamster used to the hand beforehand

Even if hamsters no animals to pet it is helpful for sex determination (and further medical investigations) if hamsters are already familiar with the hand. By familiarizing the animals with the hand beforehand, the hamsters experience less stress in the entire process of sex determination than when the hand is added as a new factor.
In order to get the hamster used to the hand, the owner must also proceed carefully, calmly and slowly. Loving words, handing food, and holding out hands to sniff can help hamsters approach hands with curiosity.

The handling of the hamster in sex determination

To determine the sex of the hamster, the owner must lay on your back. In order to lift the animal, the owner has to form a kind of cave with his hands and push it under the hamster.
When the hamster is then in hand, the keeper should gently hold the scruff of the neck.

Danger: If the owner is holding the animal by the neck, he must under no circumstances lift it or pull on it.

To hold the hamster securely, the palm of the hand should gently hold the animal while using the index finger and thumb to hold the head and shoulders of the animal. The rest of the hamster’s body must be supported with the other hand.

All handling must calmly, sensitively and carefully. The hamster’s entire body must be gently held and supported with both hands.

The determination of sex in adult animals

In the case of adult and therefore full-grown hamsters, this is the sex easier to spotthan in juveniles.

In order to determine the sex of adult animals, owners can first estimate the size of their animal. Then look at the underside of the hamster.

Step 1: Estimate the size of the hamster

male hamsters are larger than female hamsters. The rear end of males in particular appears larger, more pointed and curved upwards than that of females. Females, on the other hand, tend to have round rear ends.

This step is for initial assessment only and is not a substitute for identifying the animals’ genitals.

Step 2: Look at the bottom of the animal

As a rule, in sexually mature, male hamsters on the bottom testicles to recognize. These are usually clearly visible. The testicles are almond shaped and are located near the buttocks.
female on the other hand, only have one type slot as genitals and six pairs of teats. The teats in particular are clearly visible.

From an age between the 32nd and 42nd day hamsters become sexually mature. If owners have difficulty determining the sex and/or are unsure, it is possible that the animal is not yet sexually mature.

special feature: Dwarf hamsters have another special feature: In sexually mature males, a scent gland can be seen, which is located in the navel area, in the middle of the abdomen. This scent gland is yellow.

The determination of sex in young animals

Determining the sex of young animals is not so easy. With a little practice and expertise, however, holders can do this Distance between the urogenital opening and the anus determine the sex of the animals.

Step 1: Identify openings on the hamster’s belly

These openings are located on the hamster’s abdomen. The openings are the anus and the urogenital opening. Urine and sex products are excreted through the urogenital opening. This opening is more in the middle of the abdomen and over the anus.
The anus, on the other hand, is under the hamster’s tail. Both openings are small, round and pink.

Step 2: Estimate the distance between the urogenital opening and the anus

In males, a distance between the anus and the urogenital opening can be clearly estimated. In the best case, the growing testicles are also recognizable as small bumps near the tail.

In females, the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening is very small and barely noticeable. Sometimes both openings look like a single opening.

Estimating the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening is the only way to determine sex in young animals.

Step 3: Repeat the process at a later time

Determining the sex of young hamsters is not so easy. In order to prevent the owner from overlooking the second opening, which indicates a male when determining the sex, the determination of the sex should be carried out again at a later point in time.
Just at young males find the second opening very difficult to see.
The older the animals get, the easier it is for the owner to recognize the openings and genitals.

Reasons for gender determination

Reasons for sex determination are mainly in the breeding of animals as well as in that Preventing unwanted offspring:

Between the 32nd and 42nd day of life, hamsters become sexually mature and can mate. To prevent unwanted offspring, hamsters should first be separated into same-sex groups before each animal is given its own home.

Some keepers prefer a female, others prefer a male. There are hardly any differences in behavior between the sexes. Males are considered to be somewhat calmer and less willing to flee than females.