If you have a dwarf hamster and want to introduce another into its cage, know that it is possible. In order for them to live together, they must get along well to enjoy a long happy existence.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing the Hamsters
Step 1. Verify that they are both dwarves
It is essential that you are absolutely certain that they are of the same breed, because the Syrian is a solitary animal and could fight to the death if it were to divide the territory with another specimen.
Make sure they are both of the same type of dwarf hamster, as Campbell's and Siberian's look very similar
Step 2. Evaluate the age, size and temperament of both to decide whether to make them live together
Particularly:
- Make sure they are no more than 7 weeks old; the best age to approach a new specimen to another is around 4-6 weeks. It is almost impossible to get an older or already adult rodent to become familiar with another hamster.
- Make sure they both have the same build so that there is no bigger one who can override the other.
- Also make sure that neither of you has lived alone for more than 5-7 days; when one of these animals lives alone for a few days, it is no longer able to accept the presence of a similar one.
- If you don't want them to reproduce, you need to get them of the same.
Part 2 of 5: Preparations for the Cage
Step 1. Verify that the current cage is large enough to accommodate both rodents
There must be enough space for them to move freely and stay far enough away from each other when they want. Make sure it is larger than 0.25m2, as this is the minimum size for a single hamster.
Step 2. Put one pet into a ball and the other into a second ball
This step is just to keep them away, it's not an important thing, but you should do it because you need the specimens to be out of the enclosure for the next step.
Step 3. Thoroughly clean the entire cage
Rinse everything with soapy water, including the fence itself without neglecting anything; add fresh, clean substrate so that the "old" rodent does not recognize its own scent and cannot claim "ownership" of the land.
Verify that there is absolutely no smell of any hamster; use a pet-safe disinfectant
Step 4. Set up a new bed, water bottle, wheel and ball for the new guest
Keep all of the old hamster's material as long as it is washed and make sure that all of the new pet's items are placed in the already clean cage.
Part 3 of 5: Bringing the two hamsters closer
Step 1. Start with this method
If it doesn't work, you will need to proceed with the one described below.
Step 2. Start slowly introducing them to each other
Once you have all the new and clean items in the cage, you can put the new rodent in the pen first or, if you have different sexes, put the male in the pen first; do not proceed in any other way.
Let the first hamster sniff everything around for 45 minutes; you must give him time to explore the new home
Step 3. Leave the male or the new specimen in the cage for at least half an hour or an hour
Step 4. After this time, place the other rodent (or female) in the cage
Generally, they should be very happy with each other's company, but sometimes some specimens are simply uncooperative!
Part 4 of 5: Using a Divider
Step 1. If the first approach method doesn't work and the two hamsters are fighting each other, try this other technique
Step 2. Repeat the delicate cage cleaning procedure
Then add a divider, a metal mesh that the two rodents are unable to overcome (this solution is more effective if you are using an aquarium).
Step 3. Make sure the two pets can see, smell and hear each other
Also make sure that everyone has their own accessories, such as food, water, and toys.
Step 4. Put them both in the cage
Leave them in the two separate sectors for a week or so, changing the water and food as needed.
Step 5. Put them back together in the cage
After this time, remove the divider and let them study each other.
Step 6. If this method doesn't work the first time, try several times
Hamsters are very social animals and usually enjoy the company of their fellow humans
Part 5 of 5: Slower Technique
Step 1. Place the two mansions side by side
Make sure the two hamsters can hear, smell and possibly see each other without touching each other; change the side of the cage that comes into contact with the other every day.
Step 2. Place one hamster in the other's cage
You can proceed by placing one animal in a box while you move the other to its home and then you can put the first pet in the other's cage. At first, they may be a little stressed as they feel in "enemy" territory, but once you get used to smelling each other, you can keep the "house swap" for longer periods. Start with a few hours each day and then gradually increase the exposure time up to the whole day; move the two rodents from their respective enclosures every day.
Step 3. Use a very large cage that can accommodate both pets
It should be at least 0.9-1.2m long and have a very wide base to walk on; make sure it is new and has never been used by other hamsters, so that it is neutral territory.
- Put a wire mesh to divide it in two, to allow the two specimens to get closer without being able to hurt each other.
- Organize each half of the container as if it were a single cage, placing one hamster on one side of the divider and the other on the other side. After 3 or 5 days start moving them and transfer them to the opposite side; this phase could last about a week, depending on the progress of the coexistence.
Step 4. After a week or so, remove the divider and let the rodents smell and see each other
Arrange a single kennel and a single den, however, with two exits each, so that one dog cannot "corner" the other and trigger a fight. Provide enough water, food, and toys for each pet. If they fight each other, you have to put the divider back and keep swapping the sectors they live in. If you don't get any results after many attempts, remember that some dwarf hamsters just love a lonely life. If they sniff each other, behave cautiously, and chase each other without a fight, they may get along well. Check them carefully, especially in the morning, late afternoon and evening; they may be friendly during the day and cause fights at night, so be vigilant. If they do get bleeding wounds, you should avoid letting them live together.
Step 5. If you have managed to keep them together peacefully, continue to monitor them
Even rodents that coexist peacefully for a long time (more than a year) can suddenly become aggressive. Remember to provide enough drinking bottles, food, toys, and hiding places for both, as well as two exercise wheels. If you notice frequent episodes of fighting or bullying, you need to separate them.
Advice
- Never try to make two Syrian hamsters coexist; they fight until one (or both) dies or is seriously injured.
- Put enough food, water, toys, and wheels for each rodent. in this way, you reduce the disputes and fights between the two animals.
- Always be vigilant in the event of a fight, even if they have been living together for some time.
- Move on to the next stage of the process only when you notice some harmony between the two.
- If you want hamsters to have some company, don't try to put more than 3 hamsters in the same cage; generally, they are better off alone or in pairs.
- The techniques described in this article are valid only for the dwarf hamster and may be useless for other types of small mammals (such as guinea pigs); do not use them for other domestic animals.
- Consider the conditions they live in. Those who are happy and live in a good environment are less stressed and less likely to struggle. Roomy cages encourage peaceful coexistence, as well as an abundance of toys and other distractions.
- If the rodents struggle, separate them and make sure they have enough water and food. also check that the cage is large enough with an adequate number of toys and tubes. In doing so, the pets are busy having fun while forgetting to fight. Make sure everyone has their own exercise wheel; each hamster should walk and run 6 km per day; if despite all this does not solve the problem, keep them in separate cages.
Warnings
- Some specimens prefer to live alone; if you insist on putting another one in the cage, they could seriously injure each other.
- Take them to the vet in case of injuries.
- Be aware that some fights can occur.
- If they fight enough to cause some bleeding, place the wire mesh in place and wait for them to calm down and heal before putting them back together.
- Usually, a male and a female get along better than two of the same sex, but remember that these animals reproduce very quickly, so you need to pay attention and consider this aspect.
- If hamsters fight a lot and get injured, take them to the vet.
- The methods described in this article do not work with other small pets.
