Putting two robos together

Robos, like most dwarf hamsters, are said to be social. However, this is NOT always the case. Some owners have said that their hamsters have fought to the death. It's always wise to make sure that there are no bullies. They love to huddle together and sleep together. And when they are excited, they will tumble over one another in a frenzy, sometimes even stepping over their fellow playmates!

Biting

Many people want to know if hamsters bite. Many people say they do. I've seen signs above hamsters at shops that ask people not to touch their hamsters as they bite. I personally wonder who would want to buy those hamsters after that warning, especially first time hamster owners.

Hamster bites are painful and draw blood. When they really want to do it right, they bite down deep with their razor sharp teeth. This means lots of blood.

This is one reason hamsters may not be so suitable for children as some other small pets. Not because their bites are hurtful because although they hurt, they heal pretty quickly and usually are quite "clean". But because children may feel scared or reluctant to play with their pet after it's biten them. Their hamsters may soon be neglected after that.

My robos sometimes nip, and the females have really changed during and after pregnancy when she is with her babies. I've heard some say that they have met up with vicious robos but I've not so far. The best way to tell if the hamster is friendly is to handle it before bringing it home.

FAQ: why do hamsters bite?

Separation

Some people would like to know whether they can reintroduce their hamsters after separation. This depends. I've very seldom repaired my robos and so far, it's been some acceptance and some rejection. Tell me your experience.

Dwarf hamsters are usually said to be sociable and many owners keep their hamsters in pairs, groups or even colonies. Although many have seen syrians fight others in the same cage and many accept that loneliness might not be a problem for syrians, some have suggested that dwarf hamsters have shorter lifespans or are less content being alone. I've only heard anecdoctal quotes on this and if you've come across some experiments detailing this, please do email me. Thus, most owners purchase and keep dwarf hamsters in pairs.

Most of individuals bought in pairs from the same petstore or breeder are from the same litter and have lived together since birth and usually this is the best possible scenario. However, one can't expect peace to reign in all cases and siblings have been known to fight and kill the other. It is also best to get siblings of the same sex as the population explosion is probably going to be more than you can handle, especially if you're a first time owner. Once separated from each other, hamsters can soon forget that the other was a littermate and turn on each other unexpectantly. This is because group or family scent can be easily lost and apparently, "forgotten". Some have said this forgetfulness occurs in as short a period as a single day. This is also one reason some owners do not like to separate their mating pairs. However, there are trade offs to this and the female could become repeatedly pregnant.

"Experiments" must be carried out on each pairing arrangement. Introductions of new hamsters not previously known to the others must be done in neutral territory and this means a new change of wood shavings or a previously unoccupied neutral cage/tank. Some owners have sprayed a small amount of perfume or put talcum powder on their hamsters to decrease difference of scent and increase chances of acceptance but this is not a proven method and might cause irritation to the hamsters. During and after introductions, the owner should preferably be at home or near enough to the cage to "spy" on them and make sure no fighting breaks out.

Sometimes, small squabbles that break out eventually die down. Some squabbles can be about food and providing more than enough or in different corners can help the situation. Other times, the fights draw blood, especially near the tail area. If the hamsters are "freaked" out and dash around in terror and screaming, you might have to separate the hamsters.

You can try again but if one keeps attacking the other, you will have to keep them separate permanantly. I know this isn't an easy thing to do, in more ways than one. For example, there are worries that the hamsters are lonely and I know some owners do not have space to keep their hamsters separate. However, the alternative might be the death of one of them and it will always be a risk that one is taking.

To prevent fights among hamsters already living together, you need to provide them with a lot of hiding places, like tissue paper rolls, hamster houses and other nooks and crevices. More wood shavings could also provide a place for hamsters to burrow and hide. Extra wheels and other toys can also be provided.

 Video Clips

Robo eating, being pushed around