Why do hamsters eat their offspring?

Introduction: Understanding the behavior of hamsters

Hamsters are popular pets known for their adorable appearance and playful behavior. However, they also exhibit some peculiar behavioral patterns, such as the tendency to eat their offspring. While this behavior may seem shocking and disturbing to humans, it is actually a natural phenomenon that occurs in many animal species. Understanding the reasons behind filial cannibalism in hamsters requires some knowledge of their biology and evolution.

What is filial cannibalism?

Filial cannibalism, or the act of parents eating their own offspring, is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom, especially among species that produce large litters of babies. This behavior may seem counterintuitive to the survival and reproduction of a species, but it can serve a variety of purposes, such as culling weak or sickly offspring, reducing competition for resources, and ensuring the survival of the fittest offspring. In hamsters, filial cannibalism is a well-documented behavior that occurs in both wild and domesticated populations. It involves the mother hamster eating her own pups, usually within a few days of their birth.