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My hamster is nesting, hoarding food, and has a lump. Is she pregnant?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Female | unspayed

Hello! I noticed a few days ago my hamster started acting a bit weird (hoarding food, building a huge nest and not going on her wheel) she also started to get a huge lump on her, I think she is pregnant but I’m not an expert so I was wondering if you could help?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2020

If Bean is building a nest, I suspect she may be pregnant! Their pregnant is only about 22 days, so you should know soon if she is pregnant or not. If there are other hamsters in the cage with her, move them out so she has her own space.

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 6th, 2018

    Thanks for reaching out about Hammy. The gestation period of hamster is 16-18 days, so she isn't pregnant if you've had her for 30 days. It sounds as if she is nesting and defensive. Even without being pregnant, she can go through hormonal periods. It is also possible for rodent to have a condition called "pseudo-pregnancy" where hormones make her body believe she is pregnant, and she will nest. Rodents are induced ovulators and don't come out of estrus (breeding mode) until breed. The more you handle her to less scared she will be, but use a bowl or thick towel to gently scoop her up for handling. Be careful as they can obviously bite. If she appears sick or lethargic, seek an examination with a exotic animal veterinarian. Good luck.

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