Taming 2 Dwarf hamsters

[angelcakebbz]

I have 2 winter white hybrids, they both live together and are from the same litter so they are fine together for now, I'm not sure whether to tame them seperately or both together (using the bathtub method) so it would be useful to know what is best.
Thanks in advance x

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'd tame them together, it'll help keep them smelling the same

[racinghamster]

Hi. Kyrill is correct. It`s best to keep pairs together, even for taming/short handling sessions. Keep things simple and try never to upset their regime. Pairs are volatile and that balance can be tipped, so better to keep them in one another`s company and not make too many changes around them. Being a pair, they probably won`t require lots of time outside their cage as they will be happy enough keeping one another company and playing within their cage if it`s large enough. x

[meredithandyang]

Winter Whites are great hamsters. BUT, be prepared to separate them because even though they seem to be getting along now, they can turn on each other quickly because of territorial reasons - so what you heard is true. I have winter whites and it couldn't be more true. I suggest getting a spare cage. It can be used as a permanent separation cage or sometimes if they can get along but they got in a fight, sometimes they can still be heated so you can also use it as a "time out" cage. So you put the aggressive one in there for a little while and after that, you can put them back in their cage and monitor their behavior towards each other. If they seem to be getting along (sleeping together again, eating together, not avoiding each other) then you can probably leave them together again. Though it can change as I said. This behavior can affect your relationship with your hamsters as they can be scared of many things if they were the victim, or if they were the dominant one, they will show that aggression towards you.

know they are very skittish. You need to tame them if you want to be able to hold them without them trying to escape. Since you just got them, give them time to adjust to their new home. Don't put your hand in the cage or try to touch them yet. You can reach in to change their food or water, but try to leave them alone. After a little while, give them treats. Put them down near them