Hamsters are adorable furry little creatures that make for great pets. Their innocent faces and playful personalities can melt even the coldest of hearts. However, before you rush out and adopt one of these adorable bundles of joy, it’s crucial to know how to tell the hamster’s gender.
You can tell hamster gender by checking the anogenital distance, which is the distance between the anus and genitals. On female hamsters, this area will be relatively small. Male hamsters have a larger anogenital distance and two testicles you can feel by running your fingers gently over the fur.
It’s also important to note that male and female hamsters look very similar, even when they reach adulthood. This means that it’s not always easy to tell the gender of a hamster simply by looking. However, in this article, I’ll delve deeper into how to tell hamster gender.
How To Sex a Hamster
To sex a hamster, cup your hand around its body and gently roll it onto its back. Gently run your pointer finger along its belly towards the tail. You should feel two testicles, usually a bump, on the male hamster but none on the female. A small slit on the genital area will indicate a female hamster.
Be extra careful when handling your hamster. Even the most docile creatures can become agitated when in an unfamiliar situation, so be sure to use a soft and gentle touch. If your hamster exhibits any signs of distress, gently place it back in its cage until it calms down. A treat or two may also help soothe your hamster and make the process go smoothly.
| Determining Factor | Male | Female |
| Anogenital distance | Larger | Smaller |
| External genital organs | Has testicles that appear as a small bump | Slit-like genital with two openings (the anus and the vulva) |
| Nipples | None | Available as pairs on two rows |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Scent gland | Has one located on its belly | Doesn’t have one |
| Behavior | Territorial, aggressive, and more adventurous | Calmer demeanor, bonds easily with owner |
Anogenital Distance
This is the surest, easiest, and safest way to tell the gender of a hamster. Anogenital distance is the distance between the anus and genital openings on a hamster’s body. Male hamsters have a much larger anogenital distance than female hamsters, which is the most reliable way to sex them.
Simply look for the difference in size, and you should be able to determine if your hamster is a boy or a girl. Since hamsters get agitated when picked up and turned over, they may try to wiggle away. Pet them lightly to soothe them before picking and turning them over.
External Genital Organs
Male hamsters have two testicles close to the anus and visible through the fur. They appear as small swellings when looked at from underneath. In young hamsters, they aren’t as easily identifiable and may need to be felt. As the hamster develops, the testicles will enlarge and protrude from the body, giving it a pointed rear end.
Females have slit-like genitalia with two openings, the anus, and vulva, situated next to each other. It can be difficult to identify this in a young hamster as fur can obstruct the view. However, the slit will become more prominent and easier to see in older female hamsters. Females also have a rounded rear end, as there are no testicles present.
Nipples
Adult female hamsters have four to six pairs of nipples, depending on the breed. Syrian hamsters tend to have six, while dwarf hamsters usually have four. The nipples are located in two rows running parallel along the belly.
Checking for nipples is easier with a light-colored hamster, as the nipples can be seen more clearly against lighter fur. Run your finger gently over the fur, and you should be able to feel the nipples. Male hamsters do not have nipples.
Size
While size is not a surefire way of telling the gender of a hamster, adult male hamsters tend to be larger than their female counterparts. Depending on the species, hamsters can grow up to 13 inches (33 centimeters) long. Dwarf hamsters, as their name implies, are the smallest species and reach an average length of 6 inches (15 centimeters).
Male hamsters also tend to be more muscular and heavy-set compared to females. If you can weigh your hamster, male hamsters typically weigh between 4 to 8 ounces (110 to 230 grams), depending on the breed. Female hamsters weigh around 3 to 6 ounces (85 to 170 grams).
Scent Gland
Male hamsters have a scent gland in the middle of their stomach that secretes a musky odor they use to mark their territory or signal when they are ready to mate. The fur patch around the scent gland appears yellowish due to the secretion of oily material.
It’s easily identifiable in white, black, and gray hamsters but may be harder to tell in golden or teddy bear-type varieties. Female hamsters lack a scent gland, so if you come across one with this distinctive marking, it’s almost certain that you have a male hamster.
Behavioral Differences
Apart from physical appearances, male hamsters exhibit different behaviors than female hamsters. Male hamsters tend to be more territorial, marking their territory with droppings and making noises to ward off intruders. They are also more adventurous and prone to exploring than female hamsters.
In contrast to males, female hamsters have a calmer demeanor and are less territorial. They tend to be gentler and do not exhibit defensive behavior as much as males do. They bond more easily with their owners and show more affection towards them.
However, don’t let your hamster’s gender define its personality. Every hamster is unique and can surprise you with its behavior regardless of sex. They love their peace and quiet and quickly show their displeasure when disturbed or handled unnecessarily.
How To Care for Your Hamster
Hamsters, regardless of gender, need a safe and secure environment to thrive. Here is how to properly care for your hamster:
- Provide a large enough cage with plenty of room for your hamster to move around. Hamsters are natural explorers, so give them enough space to roam.
- Line the base of the cage with a few inches of soft bedding material, such as wood chips, shredded paper, or hay. Remember to change this material regularly to keep it clean and dry.
- Provide your hamster with safe chew toys, such as hardwood or cardboard blocks, to keep its teeth and gums healthy.
- Include a water bottle, food dish, and feeder in the cage. Make sure to clean them regularly and refill them with fresh food and water. Proper nutrition is essential for your hamster’s health and overall well-being.
- A wheel or other exercise equipment is a great way to encourage your hamster to stay active and healthy. Stress and obesity can hurt your hamster’s behavior, so provide plenty of room and activities to keep fit.
- Occasional treats, such as carrots, peas, cucumbers, and apples, will provide your hamster with a tasty snack, but feed in moderation as treats are high in sugar and calories.
- Most importantly, schedule annual vet visits for your hamster to maintain its overall health. A vet will perform an exam to check for any underlying diseases or health issues and recommend any necessary treatment.
Final Thoughts
While identifying a hamster’s gender may seem tricky, following the above steps should make it easier. All you need is some patience, a gentle touch, and a keen eye. But above all, remember to treat your pet hamster with care and respect. When mishandled, they can become agitated, scared, and even aggressive.