Sexing hamsters can be difficult, especially if they are young or you don’t necessarily have both male and female hamsters for comparison. So, how to determine if the hamster is male or female? The basic differences are similar for all species of hamsters-Syrian, dwarf, or Chinese. However, each species has different characteristics or features that can aid in sex identification. Even for experienced pawrents, determining a hamster’s sex/gender can be difficult, so don’t worry if you’re having problems. With this guide, we will make it easier for pawrents to determine the sex/gender of their hamsters.
Holding a Hamster to Determine Male or Female
Hold your hamster on its back to look at the belly area. Male dwarf hamsters also may be identified by their testicles and the shape of the hind end tapering toward their tails. Holding the hamster in a slightly upright (“sitting up”) position will help you determine if testicles are present.
Anogenital Distance
The surest way to tell whether a hamster is male or female is by looking at the anogenital distance. This is the distance between the genital openings (penile opening in male hamsters; vaginal and urinary openings in females) and the anus. This distance is much shorter in females than males. The two openings can be difficult to distinguish in females, while the space in becometween is normally twice as long in males.
Other General Differences
A few additional differences apply to all hamsters, although these may be difficult to see, depending on the hamster’s age and species.
- The back end of the male tends to be elongated and rounder in appearance in comparison to the female.
- Male hamsters often have a noticeable scrotum with testicles after about four weeks of age, although the testicles could be retracted.
- Only female hamsters have nipples.
Characteristics of Syrian Hamsters
Determining the sex of Syrian hamsters is commonly somewhat easier than sexing other species because the differences between the males and females are relatively obvious. Female Syrian hamsters have relatively visible nipples that appear in two rows running parallel to, and along the sides of, the belly. The nipples are most visible when the hamster’s stomach hair is short. Male Syrian hamsters have fairly obvious testicles that extend from their hind end. The testicles could be retracted (as with all male hamsters) or hidden by fur, but generally, they are discernible in most cases.
Characteristics of Dwarf Hamsters
Dwarf hamsters have some additional features to help you determine their sex. Male Dwarf hamsters have a visible scent gland located near the middle of the belly. There may also be yellow or oily staining around the gland, resulting from the gland’s secretions. Female Dwarf hamsters have very small scent glands that are difficult to see. You can cup your hand over your hamster and gently turn it over onto its back, or hold the hamster by the scruff of its neck. The testicles are most visible on mature hamsters. Finally, male Dwarf hamsters are usually larger than females, although size is an unreliable measure because it varies by age and the individual animal.
Characteristics of Chinese Hamsters
The most noticeable characteristic of Chinese hamsters is the shape of their hind ends. Males have longer, rounder rear ends than females. However, if you don’t possess both sexes of hamsters for comparison, you’ll have to rely on the anogenital distance for positive identification.
In conclusion
- Male hamsters: penis, testes, scent gland (for dwarves)
- Female hamsters: nipples, odour (for syrians)
Have fun determining the gender of your hamster! It might be a rollercoaster ride at times. If you can’t figure it out on your own, you can always ask a professional to help you.