All About Dwarf Hamsters
Male or Female?

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How to Tell!

So, you bring home your dwarf hamster, set up his cage, and buy him expensive toys. But, then it hits you... Is it really a him? Could it be a her? Uh oh! How can you tell????

This is a very frequently asked question that everyone needs to know the answer to. Telling the difference is a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's very simple.

To the right is a helpful step-by-step guide to figuring out the sex of your hamster.

Male and Female Diagram

Drawn by Mark A. Gubichuk

Sexing Your Hamster

1. Figure out a way to flip your hamster over on its back. This can be done by cupping it in your hand and turning it over or by gently turning it over by the nape of its neck. Either way, be sure it's secure so that it doesn't kick around.

2. Look at the bottom area of your hamster. Observe it closely. (You may think this is crazy, but it's the only way!)

3. You should notice these things:
Male: He has two separate vents (holes) that are approximately a centimeter apart. Also, his bottom will be slightly elongated, which means sticking out. The elongated area is his scrotum and can probably be seen when he is walking around his cage. Males tend to be a bit larger than females, but this is not always the case so don't decide the gender by the size of the hamster.
Female: She will have two holes very close together. In fact, they are so close that they may look like one. Also, look for four pairs of nipples along each side of her belly. This will be a sure sign to tell you she is a female. Males do not have nipples.  Let me warn you, though, that on many females, you won't be able to find nipples.  You will mainly have to go off the placement of the holes. 

If you are having trouble flipping your hamster over to observe the underside, try putting it in a plastic, see-through box or dish. That way, you can take your time trying to determine the sex.
 
Make sure that your hamster is at least 3 to 4 weeks of age before sexing it.  When they are under 3 weeks, their sex is very hard to determine,  if not impossible.  Once they reach this month old mark, it will be easy for you to tell.

Hopefully, these directions will help you identify your male or female hamster. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me. I will answer your email as soon as possible. (dwarfhamster_1@yahoo.com)

Lilac dwarf