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Andyg · 01-11-2019, 04:58 AM

Hi

We have two dwarf male hamsters, Eric & Ernie, who live together as a pair. They are from the same litter, and are about 3 months old now.

They co-exist mostly really well. Eric is clearly dominant, and pushes Ernie over from time to time. They have a large house with two rooms - and generally have their own favourite room they sleep, or sleep together. However, recently, Eric has become obsessed with smelling/licking the private area of his brother.

Most of the time, Ernie, ignores him, but at night, Eric can sometimes become obsessed with smelling Ernie, and follows him around the cage and even pulls him off the wheel. Ernie loves running, and so just wants to get on the wheel.

As far as we can see, Eric doesn't bite or attempt to bite his brother - but it's clearly annoying Ernie, and that causes him to squeak. This behaviour is not constant, and seems to be more pronounced at some times than others.

Other than that, they get on extremely well and don't fight, share food (Ernie is the foodie and does squeak sometimes when food gets offered to Eric first).

Could anyone tell me what this behaviour is? Is it related to mating? Is Eric hoping that Ernie is suddenly going to be a girl or something.

We don't really want to separate them, as 95% of the time they're really cute and content, and are real buddies. Any thoughts or suggestions?

01-11-2019, 04:58 AM
Andyg Newborn Pup Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 12	Male hamster pair behaviour Hi We have two dwarf male hamsters, Eric & Ernie, who live together as a pair. They are from the same litter, and are about 3 months old now. They co-exist mostly really well. Eric is clearly dominant, and pushes Ernie over from time to time. They have a large house with two rooms - and generally have their own favourite room they sleep, or sleep together. However, recently, Eric has become obsessed with smelling/licking the private area of his brother. Most of the time, Ernie, ignores him, but at night, Eric can sometimes become obsessed with smelling Ernie, and follows him around the cage and even pulls him off the wheel. Ernie loves running, and so just wants to get on the wheel. As far as we can see, Eric doesn't bite or attempt to bite his brother - but it's clearly annoying Ernie, and that causes him to squeak. This behaviour is not constant, and seems to be more pronounced at some times than others. Other than that, they get on extremely well and don't fight, share food (Ernie is the foodie and does squeak sometimes when food gets offered to Eric first). Could anyone tell me what this behaviour is? Is it related to mating? Is Eric hoping that Ernie is suddenly going to be a girl or something. We don't really want to separate them, as 95% of the time they're really cute and content, and are real buddies. Any thoughts or suggestions?