How do I stop dwarf hamsters from fighting?

[horseyhammygirl]

Hi, I'm new to this thing but at the moment, I'm currently looking after two dwarf hamsters for my friend. Their names are Olaf and Doughnut and they're very cute but Doughnut bullies Olaf!!! When they go to sleep, there is squeaking as they fight and my friend says to just bang on the cage but sometimes that doesn't work!

Is there any other way to stop them? Thx!

[Thin Lizzy]

You need to separate them and keep them separated.
When they fight they can end up drawing blood and cause injury and it means they can no longer be kept together.

[horseyhammygirl]

My friend doesn't want to move them as she can only afford one cage. But if she had a box, which she could put one in as a 'cooling down period' would that work? It doesn't seem like REALLY vicious fighting like blood drawing or anything.

[SinNyx]

Hamsters can't just be left to cool down. They get territorial and small fights can lead to injury and sometimes they may even kill each other. Your friend has to think, second cage, or a very large vet bill.

They need to be closely watched. If they are hurting each other when fighting or looking dominant, they need separating. In the wild they can run from each other but in a cage they are trapped. It may even mean that your friend will have to consider re-homing one. She could make a bin cage quite cheaply if money is the issue.

[Piebald]

If you are looking after them you need to do what is best for them. Your friend is not in charge, you are. They have been left in your care. If one of them kills the other, or maims him so he is suffering before dying a painful death, that is on your watch. They need to be separated. Good for you for asking and finding out your irresponsible friend is wrong. If you cannot manage to separate them call the SPCA and see if they will take one. If you have questions about how to set up the second cage please ask we all want to help. Keep us posted. Best of luck to you and the poor little things.

[horseyhammygirl]

If they aren't viciously fighting, do they need separating? I know she would hate to have to separate them and they are her first hamsters so she won't want all the hassle. Is there any other way? Or is moving them essential?

[Piebald]

The decision is yours, not hers, as they are in your care. They are completely dependent on you for their well being. What would you do if they were dogs? Does that help put it in perspective? What risk do you want to take? The advice above is the best you will get.

[Piebald]

You are weighing "hassle" against potential painful or fatal injury?

[horseyhammygirl]

They are going back tonight so I can't really make a new cage for them.

[horseyhammygirl]

I have let my friend know about the potential danger and she has now taken them back. She said she will consider it. Thanks for helping me guys and I'll let you know if anything is definite.