Robos - cages and groups

[Lucinda]

Hey, I currently own a pair of hybrids (housed separately). I'm thinking about adopting 2 robos in the next 6 months. I've never looked after them before though.

I was wondering if anyone could advise the best cage for 2 robos, or 4 robos?
Have you found that this species is happier alone, in pairs, or in bigger groups? (I know it depends on the hamster, but whatever your experience is, please share!)

Any advice is greatly appreciated

[fluffymunchkins]

Can't say I have experience with groups, but I'd certainly advise that you start off with a pair. After time you will learn to recognise the behaviours they show so that you can avoid fights or reduce the risk.
I do encourage people to try and have a pair when possible as human company barely comes close to the benefits of another robo. But you must be prepared to have them seperately if needs be.
For 2 robos I'd say a good cage is something like the zoozone 1 or similar size.
But some pairs do need a bit more room so it depends on how you feel

My key advice is to keep the cage simple when first starting out and gradually introduce new things. I've certainly noticed an increased amount of fighting with certain items, which I then remove and try again at a later date.

[Felicia]

I tried to keep a family of Robos together a few years ago, but I ended up separating them. I housed them in a 55 gallon aquarium, but it wasn't enough. I noticed they fought most when they were trying to run opposite directions through the same small area, like a tube. They also fought badly over wheels. you need at least one wheel per hamster + 1 more wheel. Don't have any narrow passage ways or tubes that they could confront one another in. Multiple feeding stations and water bottles is also a good idea.

[Hamtastic]

I would say a ZooZone2 would be good for a pair and for 4 (especially for 4--not smaller).

[SnickersTheFirst]

I'd go for a pair tbh to be on the safe side, plus they're alot easier to deal with. For a cage I'd go Imac Bingo or ZZ1 size so about 70x40cm which is plenty of space. Plus they are simple one level cages, so no fights.

[Christmas_hamster]

Pairs are easier to deal with if a fight does break out. Do you have room, time and money for four hamsters to live separately?

As for advice can I link you to this, I have to go or else I'd type it out myself: Dashing Hamsters: Housing Mutiple Hams

[mangoandmimi]

My robos live happily in a pair, groups can just lead to complications. For pairs anything like a dduna multy or zoozone1 but some wwill prefer more space. I'm not sure about groupss but a zoozone2. Should be fine two wheels for pairs, scatter food, one leveled cage and plenty of hideeyholes to minimize chances of falling out x

[Lucinda]

I would probably get 2 as I haven't owned robo's before.

I know how to help avoid fights for hamsters - just didn't know how much space would be ideal for this species. Thanks for the tips, will get a zz1 for them