First time Robo owner

[jamesm_87]

I've owned several Syrian hamsters in the past but have decided that when it comes to my next Hammy addition I am keen to try a different breed.

I've had an interest in Dwarf hamsters for a while, largely because with the sociable element it makes them so much different to Syrians (Although I'm aware that them living together doesn't always work). After doing a bit of research on the different types Robo's seem absolutely perfect for me because they're such little bundles of energy and even when I can't handle them I'll be able to enjoy watching them play.

I've done a fair bit of research and think I have a pretty good understanding of how the needs of Robos differ to Syrians but I was wondering if any experienced Robo owners on the forum could offer any tips or advice for a first time owner.

Thanks in advance!

[racinghamster]

Hi jamesm_87, welcome. I don`t declare to be a robo expert as there are members on here who have kept robos longer than I have! But just wanted to say that they are the smallest and the fastest of the hamster species. Robos can live in pairs, but many end up separated due to one bullying the other, so if you are thinking about a robo as a new venture, I would propose having a single robo. It`s entirely your choice though. Many robos end up on Gumtree and similar websites, so don`t be put off rehoming a slightly older robo as they all need good homes.

A tank style cage would suit your robo/robos best like the Zoozone 1 cage. Smaller tanks are avialble like the Ferplast Duna, but robos really do require floor space as they love to scoot about, so if you can manage the Zoozone 1 or 2, you will have a happy robo!

I love robos because they are not as `hands on` as the other species, although they can be tamed, they really prefer their own company and like racing about! If the cage is large enough and they have a good wheel to excersise on, a robo never requires out of cage time, especially hamster balls as robos are far too fast to be in one of those contraptions.

So in a nutshell, you wouldn`t have to worry about your new robo needing constant attention, especially if you work or have other tasks in life. They really are low maintenance hamsters. But of course you can tame your robo and spend time with him or her when awake.

Hope this helps and the other members will be along soon to give you their experiences.

I have an older male robo right now called Fred who I rehomed off Gumtree and he`s not he tamest, but I adore him all the same. x

[jamesm_87]

Originally Posted by racinghamster

Hi jamesm_87, welcome. I don`t declare to be a robo expert as there are members on here who have kept robos longer than I have! But just wanted to say that they are the smallest and the fastest of the hamster species. Robos can live in pairs, but many end up separated due to one bullying the other, so if you are thinking about a robo as a new venture, I would propose having a single robo. It`s entirely your choice though. Many robos end up on Gumtree and similar websites, so don`t be put off rehoming a slightly older robo as they all need good homes.

A tank style cage would suit your robo/robos best like the Zoozone 1 cage. Smaller tanks are avialble like the Ferplast Duna, but robos really do require floor space as they love to scoot about, so if you can manage the Zoozone 1 or 2, you will have a happy robo!

I love robos because they are not as `hands on` as the other species, although they can be tamed, they really prefer their own company and like racing about! If the cage is large enough and they have a good wheel to excersise on, a robo never requires out of cage time, especially hamster balls as robos are far too fast to be in one of those contraptions.

So in a nutshell, you wouldn`t have to worry about your new robo needing constant attention, especially if you work or have other tasks in life. They really are low maintenance hamsters. But of course you can tame your robo and spend time with him or her when awake.

Hope this helps and the other members will be along soon to give you their experiences.

I have an older male robo right now called Fred who I rehomed off Gumtree and he`s not he tamest, but I adore him all the same. x

Thanks so much, that's really helpful. I had been looking at the Ferplast Duna Multy as a cage for them as I'd heard good things and it's quite reasonably priced on Amazon at the moment. It seems quite similar specs wise to the Zooplus One, would that be suitable?

I do have quite a lot on in my life with long working days most days so having a lower maintenance hamster would be ideal although of course I would still want to tame them so they can come out for a play. I have seen how speedy they are, they're quite amazing really! Have always found watching them run around in pet stores etc. to be fascinating!

I do have my heart set on getting a pair as I have my Syrians old cage cleaned up and able to be used as an alternative housing if they were to fight and I'd be quite happy to have two hamsters in separate housing if need be.
That said I'll consider what you've said and I'll definitely have a look on Gumtree to see if there's any single Robo's that need rehousing.

In terms of diet I understand that Hybrid's can develop issues with Diabetes but Robo's are fine so they can be fed relatively similar food to Syrians, would that be correct?

From what I have read, if I were to keep two robo's then I would be best to use a method such as scatter feeding to stop them fighting and to have two of everything such as wheel and water bottle. Would that be correct and would that also extend to things such as cage toys, sand pits etc.?

One other question. I currently have a 6.5" Silent Spinner which was used by my Syrian. Would that be suitable for a Robo or is it a bit too big? I've seen them send themselves spinning out of wheels before and would be worried about that happening, wouldn't want the poor little critters to get hurt!

Thanks again!

[kyrilliondaemon]

You're right about diet, robos aren't prone to diabetes and ours eats the same as our syrians do

Scatter feeding is definetly best for pairs, as is having two wheels. With everything else it tends to come down to the individuals if they need two of everything, but two of everything definetly won't hurt. One big thing to be aware of is making sure that everything (houses, tubes e.t.c) has at least two entrances and exits so that a robo can't get cornered by its cagemate. Its also safest if they can run around/behind everything in the cage, again just to avoid them getting cornered.

A 6.5" silent spinner would be perfect for a robo, I'd regard it as too small for a syrian but they're great for dwarf hams

[racinghamster]

Kyrill has covered most of what you asked regarding diet and the silent spinner wheel. My single male robo has the 6,5" silent spinner. Some robos do tend to lose control of these wheels just because they run so fast! They usually soon get the hang of them though, but it`s always advisable to keep an eye on their wheel antics.

The cage you mentioned is multi level? The Duna Multi? For a pair of robos, you don`t want to have extra levels or places they can guard or become territorial over, which is why I mentioned the Zoozone tanks. Robos don`t require the grills meshed as they don`t climb, or at least, they tend to be more ground level hamsters and won`t escape as long as you don`t provide them with any cage accessories thy can sneakily climb up!

Robos have long back legs which propel them at speed, so climbing isn`t in their best interests. Forgive my ignorance if the Duna Multi doesn`t have shelving, my mind is a bit fuzzy on cages at the moment so I would need to go and look the cage up! But if memory serves me well, it`s a Ferplast Duna with an extra level? If it is....I would be inclined to look at ground floor cage personally. It`s not a bad cage, don`t get me wrong, it`s just I feel it`s not really robo friendly. x

[jamesm_87]

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

You're right about diet, robos aren't prone to diabetes and ours eats the same as our syrians do

Scatter feeding is definetly best for pairs, as is having two wheels. With everything else it tends to come down to the individuals if they need two of everything, but two of everything definetly won't hurt. One big thing to be aware of is making sure that everything (houses, tubes e.t.c) has at least two entrances and exits so that a robo can't get cornered by its cagemate. Its also safest if they can run around/behind everything in the cage, again just to avoid them getting cornered.

A 6.5" silent spinner would be perfect for a robo, I'd regard it as too small for a syrian but they're great for dwarf hams

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind with the two entrances - would that also apply to little houses/homes or would they be okay with one entrance so long as there are a couple of different ones they can nest in?

Its not actually multi-level, though the name does make it sound that way. It's all one level and the dimensions are practically the same as the medium sized Zoozone 1 (it's slightly longer than the Zoozone 1). I think the one you're thinking of is the Ferplast Duna Fun, but the name is misleading.

It's this one below, all one level, plastic sides and only got bars on the roof part.



Thanks again for the help and advice.

[kyrilliondaemon]

Originally Posted by jamesm_87

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind with the two entrances - would that also apply to little houses/homes or would they be okay with one entrance so long as there are a couple of different ones they can nest in?

It applies to everything. If a fight breaks out and the attacker corners the second ham the attacker could do a lot of damage to the second ham, in a house with only one exit if the attacker blocks the doorway the second ham won't have any hope of escaping and avoiding the attack.

I think the duna multy will be fine for a pair

[jamesm_87]

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

It applies to everything. If a fight breaks out and the attacker corners the second ham the attacker could do a lot of damage to the second ham, in a house with only one exit if the attacker blocks the doorway the second ham won't have any hope of escaping and avoiding the attack.

I think the duna multy will be fine for a pair

Fantastic thanks for that. I think I will go with the duna multy and then have a look for bits and pieces to go in it. In terms of say putting tunnels (toilet rolls, tubes etc.) in the cage, will they be ok to avoid confrontation or would you suggest to avoid them and stick to things like bridges and toys with lots of different holes to get out?

I've always in the past used wood shavings as the substrate and the cotton-wool style bedding. I've never had any real problems with the latter but after reading all the negatives about it and witnessing my last syrian get his nail caught and tangle in it I'll definitely be avoiding that this time.

Was thinking I'd stick with Wood Shavings as the substrate and go with Shredded Paper for bedding, with some chinchilla sand for bathing in. Will that suffice do you think or would you suggest something else like Carefresh (or maybe a mixture)

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'd not see any reason against tubes - if someone gets chased then they can just run straight out of the other end

Wood shavings are ok for substrate, shredded paper is great for bedding Chinchilla sand is fine for bathing too. Everyone finds different things work best for their hams but one of ours is on woodshavings and its fine

[amie]

Welcome, jamesm_87 and I think the ferplast duna multy is a perfect cage for a Robo.
However, having kept Robos for several years and also breeding them I would strongly advise, from my personal experience, that you only buy one and agree with the advice that racinghamster has given you. They can be tricky little creatures to keep together and having one would mean you wouldn’t have any worries and can just enjoy being a first time Robo owner. It can be very stressful if they do fight and I would avoid that risk. One on its own will live quite happily.
Some Robos are fine being handled, others not. It is just pot luck whether you get one that wants to be handled.
Just rip up tissues or toilet paper for bedding. Wood shavings are perfect for Robos and all mine have shavings in their cages.
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun having a Roborovski hamster. They are adorable little things.