Alone, in pairs, or in a group?

[chatterbox]

Hi all,

I have only ever kept syrians before, however, I am considering getting a Cambell (or Cambells!) - but I keep finding lots of differing views about how they are best kept: alone, pairs or a group. The ones I am looking at are all girls and all from the same litter, any advice?

I know that if kept together there is a chance they may fall out in the future and would need to be separated, but is it still best to start off keeping them together?

Any advice appreciated!

[kookookchoo]

Right now I have a pair of boys (brothers) and honestly, you could probably go either way. They get along well, but for the most part, they kind of just do their own thing, so I don't think having a pair is necessary (like with guinea pigs or something). Sometimes they just step all over each other as if they're not even aware of the other's presence. XD I'm not sure if it'd be different with girls since I've so far only had boys.

Previously, I had two boys, a pudding and a WW, who didn't get along, so they lived separately. The WW sometimes seemed like he could have benefitted from a friend, but my pudding (which is a WW/Campbell mix) seemed perfectly fine alone.

I think the main thing is that they have to have enough space and two of everything; water, wheels (they like to run together), big enough food dish for both to sit in, lots of options for sleeping spots, etc. That might give them less of a chance to fight about things/have a falling out. And it sounds like you'd be prepared with separate cages if that were to happen.

Sometimes I feel like it was easier when I had two that were separated because then I could monitor how much/what they were eating a bit better. But it IS super adorable when they occasionally cuddle together. X3

[POLAR WHITES]

I am sure there is a thread going around asking the same question as you have asked and there is a lot of useful on it might be worth having a look at it,

[chatterbox]

Thanks kookookchoo that helps alot! I think I will be sticking with one then, that way I am on the safe side - I just didnt want to go ahead and just have one if they are recommended as 'social' animals, but seen as it doesnt seem to make much difference I will get one on her own to avoid any potential fighting!

Thanks Polar Whites I will have a search for the other thread