Introducing another hamster?

[DeePaige]

Hello.

I have two lovely hamsters Fudge (1 half year old robo) and Toffee (2 month old robo). I introduced them both just over a month ago and both of them got on amazingly and they love each other dearly. Sadly 2 weeks ago Fudge got diagnosed with advanced Cushings (after being misdiagnosed repeatedly for 8 months) and has been given around 2-4 months est. left of life. It breaks my heart to see her so frail.

Over the last few days Toffee has been getting very lively (obvs her young age) and only wants to play. Where as Fudge has been getting very grouchy and nippy. Today Fudge bit me for the first time ever so I decided to separate them and Fudge seems to be so much happier. I am, however, worried about Toffee. Because of her young age I don't know if I should introduce her to another hamster, hopefully one of the same litter as the breeder says she has a few left, or to leave her on her own.

Also I'm worried that she will reject the other hamster as she is used to Fudge and I have been told that that could happen.

Please help me!

[Skeever]

My first concern would be that Toffee may soon instinctively see Fudge as weak, and a liabilty and actually bully or fight to thin out the weakling....

To add another young one from the same litter is a risk. It may fail at the word go , it make work wonderfully, or it may work until someone gets their palimony divorce lawyer involved and it doesn't work anymore. That option means a back up cage, and then owning three solitary hammies who can often do well as duos or sometimes? groups? Depends on how willing you are to deal with three solitary cages of robos in the worst case scenario. Which ain't necessarily a bad thing, but people do enjoy robos interacting with each other......

[DeePaige]

so do you think I should leave her on her own?

[Skeever]

I don't have a preference really.....would you be just as happy with a friend for Toffee that MAY NOT work out? and, in the event it doesn't work and now you have three hammies in three hammy cages? Or is it more the hopes it WILL work otherwise you'd never consider a third? Then I'd check stories from robo owners in the same boat. Get some of their experience and feedback on the odds of a successful match up for Toffee? A gamble always involves deciding what's at stake and what can be gained or lost.....whichever way the dice fall.

[Thin Lizzy]

Keep Fudge seperated from Toffee. Fudge is frail and needs more attention.
I think Toffee is better off on her own, I wouldn't introduce her to a new robo.

[cypher]

I agree with what the others have said, Fudge does need to be alone & introducing another ham to Toffee would be taking a huge risk, even from the same litter, they've been separated too long now, so I really wouldn't chance it.
Toffee will be fine alone with lots of toys & interaction with you she really doesn't need a companion.

[DeePaige]

Thank you all so much Im going to keep Fudge and Toffee separate from now on and im also going to leave Toffee separate and so far she seems to be loving it

[cypher]

That's good to hear

[Thin Lizzy]

So glad to hear Toffee is loving her bachelorette home!