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Runts
In a litter of baby hamsters, the weakest, and the smallest are often called the runt of the litter. They may or may not survive to adulthood. Theses may be physical and genetic defects. Litters can vary from two or three young, to as many as ten or more.
If a hamster has a large number of pups, there may be one that is likely to be very small and weak; theses are called the runt of the litter. These young hamsters are usually bullied and pushed away from the feeding area, by the stronger of his litter mates. He will be insufficiently nursed and will not receive enough nourishment from his mother. This can result occasionally in the death of the pup.
Like many runts they are tiny, sickly, and very weak, they are unable to compete with his stronger litter mates for the chance to nurse and therefore his survival.
But when these are singled out for special treatment of hand rearing, and feeding, they may eventually overtake his litter mates in size and weight.
It can be seen in the video below which is the runt; these hamsters are of the same age, and from the same litter.
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