General Information about Breeding Roborovski's
The female can produce a litter every 4 weeks or so but seem to limit themselves to about 3-5 litters in succession.
But even then they may limit themselves form producing too many litters in succession (as explained above). Some breeders report that Roborovski hamsters do not seem to breed until the spring following the year the female was born.
Is my Robo pregnant?
Female hamsters go through a cycle every three or four days and will regularly produce a discharge as part of this cycle, so it does not mean she is pregnant.
There are no sure signs that the female is pregnant - all hamsters hoard food and can make more than one nest - the only way to know for sure is when she actually has the babies! Sometimes they will get a little fatter and sho but this is usually only on the last day or two and only if she carrying a large litter.
Age of sexual maturity and when to start breeding
Robo's reach sexual maturity as early as 5 weeks of age, but usually do not breed for the first time until they are older.
Females should be bred for the first time when they are closer to 4 months old (males can be bred by 3 months of age). The ideal age to start breeding is about 5 to 6 months of age. The female will be fully grown and matured by then and will be strong enough to produce and raise a litter. While the male usualy will remain fertile throughout his life, the female often becomes sterile after 2 years of age. Most experienced breeders say that Roborovski's do not breed succesfully until the following spring the female was born.
Length of pregnancy
The gestation period of Roborovski hamsters is usually 20-22 days but can be as many as 30 days according to some sources. (Roborovski's have the longest gestation time of any hamster)
Litter Size
The litter size is of Roborovski's is usually small, typically 4-6 pups per litter (though larger litters of up to 10 have been reported).