Squabble - Should I separate my hamsters?

pudge_balls_ · 02-20-2017, 11:56 PM

Background: So I got my two winter whites from the store a month ago. They were in the same cage at the store and when I brought them home and everything was fine; they acclimated to their new environment and got along really well.

This past week, however, they've been squabbling a lot. Honey is slightly bigger than Shekel and chases the smaller ham around. I haven't seen any biting or blood or anything, but when Honey chases Shekel she will chase her up and down levels of the cage, so it's a rather determined chase and there's a lot of squeaking. The reason I'm worried that it's more serious than just squabbling is that Shekel seems kind of jumpy and wary around the other. For instance, she'll skirt around Honey rather than passing her up close. All in all, I'm worried things might escalate (but also I'm a paranoid person so I don't know if it's as serious as I think).

The thing that makes me hesitate is that they still sleep together most of the time and I don't want to separate them if all my worries are baseless. But I also don't want Shekel to be stressed out by Honey. If I were to separate them I would basically just permanently seal off the ramp that connects the levels. Side-note: each level is really big and offers a comfortable living space so it wouldn't create a space issue.

Should I wait a while longer and see if there are any developments? Or should I just separate them now? I know that winter whites are social hams but even if it's not a threatening issue should I separate them anyway so that Shekel doesn't have to submit to Honey's dominance? Or will they get lonely? Any opinions/advice is welcome.

Hamsterita · 02-21-2017, 03:26 AM

Cages with levels aren't good with pairs because they create territorial problems, and that means squabbles and/or fights. If you can, maybe it would be better to remove them if you decide to keep having them together.

Hams are not social, some of them can live together but it's not natural for them. Maybe they'll need some time to adjust to a separation but probably they'll live happier that way. Maybe some people around here that had your same doubts can share their experience, because I never was in that position myself.

If there's no drawn blood it's up to you, but to me it doesn't sound like Shekel is having a happy life, and maybe separating them you all could be more at ease, knowing that everyone is safe.

Drago · 02-21-2017, 04:03 AM

I agree with hamsterita, Shekel sounds to be a nervous mess and that doesn't really seem fair to put so much stress on her

I wouldn't worry about her becoming lonely, as mentioned above, hamsters are not social creatures and thus do not tend to become lonely when separated from their friend. The choice is yours in the end as they are your hamsters and only you know them! Sorry to hear that your pair has begun to squabble, I hope all turns out alright for you all

BorisPasha · 02-21-2017, 04:34 AM

As Hamsterita and Drago have said they do live quite happily alone.

I also had a pair but spearated them after three weeks. Like your two they still slept all cuddled up together but the smaller of the two (Boris) was getting on the other ones (Pasha) nerves. Boris was always wanting to play and Pasha just wanted to do his own thing. The little squeaks soon turned in to bigger and longer squeaks so that was the end of it. I worried they might be lonely but in fact both were perfectly happy alone. Their individual personalities really started to show and they were much more relaxed on their own and around us.

Shekel sounds like she is quite stressed already so I do think it would be best to separate them (of course the decision is up to you).

Hekomi · 02-21-2017, 06:08 AM

The chasing behaviour is not one I like to see in pairs. While pairs often may squabble for dominance or even play fight, chasing will usually lead to injuries.

I would split them. I bet you'll find both will be quite a lot happier on their own.

Some personalities just don't mesh sadly!

pudge_balls_ · 02-21-2017, 09:53 AM

Okay! Thanks for all the advice! I have separated the levels and while they seem a bit confused as to why they can't go up and down levels they obviously can't squabble anymore!

AmityvilleHams · 02-21-2017, 10:06 AM

They can definitely still squabble.Sometimes no matter what precautions you take,hamsters will just end up squabbling.It isn't that surprising though considering the natural behavior of the different hamster species

**Cinnamon Bear** · 02-21-2017, 10:33 AM

I separated a pair of Russians due to one chasing the other around. I was worried about fights at any moment. Turns out that they weren't sisters which I didn't know when purchasing them. A lot of pet stores put various litter from their farms into one cage at the pet shop...

Not always though, get a reputable yes or no from the manager (you can kind of tell, if they are being truthful or not, if not sure I wouldn't buy them) cause if they are not litter mates the chances of a fallout is higher than if they were together since birth.

CMB · 02-21-2017, 11:32 AM

It sounds like the levels are blocked, with one hamster on each level. So they definitely can't squabbly now as they can't get to ach other. If I am reading it correctly?

cypher · 02-21-2017, 11:30 PM

That's how I'm reading it CMB, I think they've been separated.
I'm sure both will be a lot happier now once they've had a little time to adjust & the submissive one will have a chance to thrive & gain confidence.