New robos

Charleen · 11-26-2016, 08:01 PM

I have been researching Russian dwarf hamsters, as that is what I thought I was able to buy. However, once I got to the pet store (I have no breeders in my area at all, closest breeder is 8 hours away), I found out that I could only get Robos. I wanted to try a pair of Russians, but I was able to get Robo sisters. They are about 4-5 weeks old, and while I am looking at things on this site, hamster hideout and good youtubers, I was wondering if anyone has any tips they could give me.

I don't believe they have ever seen a wheel before, and I only have 8 1/2", two of them, so they have not run yet. They also have not had anything to drink, although they did have a water bottle at the store. Should I give some cucumber?

Any tips for such young Robos would be very helpful.

If I can figure out how to post, I will add a picture of Venus, who seems very adventurous (she came out of the travel cage first and came out to explore/find food while I had lights on). Aphrodite is much more shy.

cypher · 11-26-2016, 10:23 PM

I wouldn't worry too much about not drinking, it's most likely they will drink when you're away from the cage but it wouldn't hurt to have some cucumber in the cage too.
They generally take to the wheel fairly quickly, again they may use them at night when you're not there, you can try putting some substrate on top of the wheel when you go to bed & see if it's still there in the morning, putting a little food or a couple of seeds in the wheel will encourage them to explore & have a go too.
Young robos are much the same as any new young ham in as much as they need time to settle, the tissue trick to get used to your scent, just gently talking to them when you're near the cage for the first day or two then try offering some treats so they can used to your hand in the cage, take your time & just go at their pace.
If you scatter feed which is best practice with a pair anyway they may be more likely to come out to forage rather than grab a bite from the bowl & hide which can help them get accustomed to you being around the cage.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 11-27-2016, 07:12 AM

Just to add, make sure your wheel spins freely & doesn't stop after 3 or 4 spins with your finger. Should keel on spinning & spinning. You should have 2 wheels in the cage to prevent territorial problems

You should have 2 of everything, food dishes & hidey huts. Need a spare cage ready for use should severe fighting start. Could happen in middle of night or bad weather so it's good to be prepared.

I think one water bottle should be fine. I'd continue with your research on the forum & don't hesitate to ask more questions as you move along

I have 3 robos but they all live seperately Any names or pics yet? I'd like to try a pair someday

Also, what size cage do you have? Levels in the cage also can create territorial problems too.

Hope this is not discouraging

Charleen · 11-27-2016, 11:15 AM

Some new questions. What do you do when you find you did something not the best for hamsters, but you are still in the let them settle in for a week stage? Do you change it and bug them, or do you wait until the week is up?

I was able to stop dish feeding, easy enough, but I do have a small level (that did hold the food dishes) They now have some cardboard houses on the level and their water. They are sleeping under it as it is full of shaving they are able to tunnel in. Should I remove the level and disturb their nest? I can lower the water so they can reach it without the level.

Thanks!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 11-27-2016, 11:26 AM

Is it the bedding that's not the best? If it's pine or cedar or fuzzy white nesting material then you'd want to disturb their nest.

Depends what the problem is?

I'd wait till the week is up & then remove the level,
You can always scatter feed the food as well

Charleen · 11-27-2016, 12:48 PM

It's just the level. I use Katee paper bedding, or carefresh (if that's really on sale).

Charleen · 11-27-2016, 12:58 PM

This is Venus. I was able to stay up late enough last night to see both girls. They both were running on their wheels, although it took a little bit for them to learn what they were. Venus is bigger, if you can believe it, than Aphrodite. She is also more adventurous.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 11-27-2016, 03:12 PM

That looks so good!!! What a shame to remove the level, that's such a good idea. Later on they could fight over it, maybe not but might be stressful wondering, see what other members think

AmityvilleHams · 11-27-2016, 03:40 PM

It's a great idea in theory if there was only one hamster,but there are two issues.One being potential fights over the level,or at the very least constant tension which will affect the hamsters in question over time and could put them more at risk for illness.The other issue is that there is no telling what sort of chemicals or toxic metals may be ingested if it were chewed on.

Charleen · 11-28-2016, 06:22 AM

New question...when I take out the level, I could make a digging area. Can I use a wall for the digging area, or is that like another level? I could try large mugs at the base to keep substrate up, and have a corner instead, but the walled area would be easier, they would use a ladder/bendable bridge to get up to the digging area if I had it walled.