Mother abandoned baby hamsters.?

My wife bought a new hamster about 3 weeks ago. She delivered 10 baby hamsters. We did not disturb the nest or the mother. We just gave her food and water and kept her in a separate room. My wife noticed that the mother looked ill and called our vet immediately. When she checked the litter the mother had lost 6 babies. The vet told us to separate the babies and try to feed them. She did not give us any other information. My wife has been feeding them every 2 to 3 hours and keeping a hot water bottle under the babies' cage. She is feeding them a kitten milk replacement formula. They are thriving and even have their eyes open. What or when will they start feeding themselves? What kind of foods can we offer them at 13 or 14 days. I believe they will 14 days old tomorrow. They were born March 17. The mother will not let us touch her. We gave her a new cage and bedding. Are we handling this correctly. Any advice. Thanks.

Hello... Yes keep up the good work, they should already be on solids. From the age of 7-9 days.... the mother (normally) takes solid food to the nest for them to eat. They should have started by now.... start feeding them a.s.a.p, they "will" be able to feed themselves. You can also add a bit of boiled egg, grated carrots, grated cheese etc: Although they will still take milk, once you see they are eating solids, start weaning. If the eyes are open they should be well into weaning by now, and eating plenty of solid food. If the mother is unable to look after them (as in your case) they can be fully weaned at 18 day's minimum. But make sure they are eating normally, and drinking water by then,