Cyclical Behavioural Activity in the Pregnant Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse)

Abstract

IN an examination of the behaviour of pregnant hamsters, cycles of activity have been found which are comparable to those seen in the non-pregnant female during the œstrous cycle. Animals were watched for an hour each day in their home cages. Observations were made under red lights half an hour after the lights went out on a 12 h/12 h reversed light cycle. At each minute during the watch, the activity in which the animal was engaged at that time and also its position in the cage were recorded. The vaginal cycles of the females were followed by a modified smear technique which depends on changes in the viscosity of the vaginal mucus¹.