Breeding
The gender of a Roborovski is determined visually; female openings are very close together and may even look like a single opening, while male openings are further apart. Males usually have a visible scent gland near the navel above the two openings, appearing as a yellow stain.
Roborovski hamsters may reach sexual maturity as early as five weeks, but usually do not breed until five months after they are born, usually in early spring. When keeping them as pets, females should not be mated until they are closer to four months of age. Males usually reach sexual maturity at three months. The gestation period of Roborovski hamsters is usually 22 days, but can be up to 30. As parturition grows closer, the female will become more aggressive towards the male and often banish him from the nest till after the birth. The female Roborovski hamster can bite an owner if she is handled while she is heavily pregnant. Litters are usually small, being typically four to six pups, though larger litters of up to 10 have been reported. If the male is still around the female shortly after she gives birth, he will often attempt to mate with her again.
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