Science Quickly These Adorable Hamster Dads Take Fatherhood Seriously
Jun 13, 2025
Elah Feder, a talented freelance audio producer and journalist, dives into the fascinating world of Djungarian hamsters and their surprisingly involved dad roles. Unlike most mammals, these hamster fathers are hands-on, caring for their pups from birth and even allowing the mother to take crucial breaks. They play a pivotal role in ensuring their offspring's survival in harsh environments. Female hamsters also prefer mates who will be nurturing, highlighting the importance of quality parental care in mate selection.
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Hamster Dads Deliver Pups
- Male Djungarian hamsters act as midwives, physically delivering their pups during birth.
- They clean and orient the newborns, stimulating circulation and breathing for survival.
Dads Extend Hamster Parental Care
- Both Djungarian hamster parents share care duties, with dads warming and returning pups to the nest.
- Fathers feed the pups during weaning, extending care beyond what mothers provide.
Dad's Role in Temperature Regulation
- Male presence boosts pup survival in hot environments by helping mothers regulate body temperature.
- Fathers keep pups warm during mother’s cooling walks, preventing overheating and dehydration.