Novice mum's panic...

[Carla Gordon and Derrick]

Hi all!

I recently welcomed little Gordon and Derrick into our family. I'm so totally in love with our little boys, but as I'm a novice to robo hamsters I do need a bit of advice.

The boys have the Duna Fun Large (71.5cm x 46cm) which they seem to be happy in - lots of space to run. I took the wheel out and replaced it with two flying saucers so they don't get territorial, and they have their own houses. I tend to scatter feed them to encourage natural foraging behaviour, and when they get a treat once or twice a week (a few little pieces of kiwi or so) I try to either hand feed them to help them get used to me which they're receptive to, or give them two tiny little hamster bowls so they don't fight over it.

So this is working well but there are a few things I would love advice on...
Even though they have two of everything, they just love sharing. They snuggle up together in one house, will run on the same flying saucer at the same time, would share one bowl before I started scatter feeding, and always share the same plate of kiwi. It's so absolutely adorable as they really are best little friends, but is this normal? I'm keeping a close eye for any bullying and fighting but they seem to be doing fine.

Also... the bottle on the Duna Fun Large is terrible - Derrick hates it and couldn't work out how to get the water out (they were fine with a different bottle in their smaller cage before they upgraded). I've put a little bowl of water in the cage which Derrick loves, but I want to avoid water being spilt on their bedding if possible. I bought another bottle for them but the bars need to bend outwards to get it through (I'm avoiding hamster escapes!). Does anyone have a recommendation for a hamster bottle that fits through?

And finally... Gordon is a lot bigger than Derrick. They've both grown, but Gordon is just much bigger, is this normal?

Sorry for the long post guys, and thanks for the help in advance! I'm sure I'm just worrying far too much about giving my little robobabies the best life ever!

Thanks,
From an overly protective hamster mum

[cypher]

Pairs do tend to like to share & sleep together, it's quite normal but it is important to keep two of everything all the same so if the more dominant one gets a bit bossy the submissive one isn't deprived of anything, there's usually a dominant & submissive one even when they don't fight.
If you use the classic water bottle you should be able to fix it on the inside so you don't need to bend the bars to get the spout through.
There are a few different bottles around but I've found that one about the best.
You can also buy water bottle stands or some people make them out of toilet roll tubes.
If you're scatter feeding they should be ok & all hams, even from the same litter, will differ in size but do keep an eye on Derrick as it is possible even with scatter feeding or two bowls that Gordon may be stopping him from getting enough food.
It's understandable that you worry, most of us do lol! so you're in good company, you've done your research & are doing your best for your boys but keeping pairs isn't the easiest thing & many do fall out as they mature so just keep a close eye on them & be prepared with a spare cage (or large storage bin that can be used as a cage) just in case.

[Carla Gordon and Derrick]

Thank you can't believe I didn't think to put the bottle inside instead of through the bars!
I'll definitely keep an eye on them for fighting and making sure Derrick eats enough. I've got a smallish 'in case of emergencies' cage so they can be separated straight away while I get a second big cage if needed.

I can't believe how strong their little personalities are already <3