Pup cannibalism: One aspect of maternal behavior in golden hamsters

In 5 experiments with a total of 157 golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), examination of the role of 6 factors (e.g., extreme litter size, illness of pups, and lack of maternal experience) generally held to affect incidence of litter cannibalism in the golden hamster revealed little influence of any of them on frequency of pup destruction. More than 75% of mothers in all conditions examined cannibalized a portion of their litters during the …