Odd behavior for a syrian.

[Pouches]

Originally Posted by Pouches

I'm going to try to take Mindy and Snickers out and let them play together, under my supervision of course. I have a picture on my cell of the two of them snuggled up together that was taken a few evenings ago.

Ya'll have been missing the point I have been trying to make since the first post. It was an idea that had worked in the past, not to say it might or might not work again. But I never said I was going to do it, and the solution I have to help Mindy is what I'm going to do, and for the time being it seems to be helping so provided that I don't see any sort of aggressive or hostile actions when Snickers and Mindy are out together I really don't see a problem. I've had hammies long enough that I know when things are about to turn hostile, and I watch the two of them like a hawk when they are out together.

[squishyhammy]

But you can't watch them 24/7. And things can turn nasty in seconds. Please take responsibility and take our advise

[DrKMcK]

Originally Posted by Pouches

I very confused and I'd love ya'll opinions on how to help Mindy.

This is why all of these people have written. If you have already made your decision that's the end of the matter. I hope no hammy gets hurt.

[Pouches]

I give up, it's like ya'll only see what ya'll wanna see in my posts in this thread. I find it slightly amusing that ya'll are quick to say some Syrian behavior is instinctive and yet when it comes to other issues instinct doesn't play a role because they've been in captivity so long. Regardless of other peoples experiences that might be contradictory to what ya'll attribute to instinct, you refuse to acknowledge the fact that it did happen.
Instinct says that hammies should hibernate in the winter, they don't (in captivity) so what can't the same be used to explain why other instincts may be muted?
Just a thought that maybe ya'll might try to be a bit more open minded when it comes to some situations.
I care very much about all my hammies, and I strive to give them the best possible lives I can. Much like a human child, when adverse and abnormal circumstances arise, we try to help make it better. We don't just play it off as someone getting it wrong and that child cannot possibly do that.
If you're going to play the instinct card, then play it always not just when it's convenient because you personally may not have witnessed similar behavior.

[BrainGirl]

Pouches, why are you being so mean? You asked for opinions, you got opinions. Just because our opinions aren't the same as yours does not mean that we are attacking you. It also does not mean that we have closed minds!

Syrian hamsters are solitary animals; that is a fact. A fact is different from an opinion in that there is evidence to back it up. If you put two Syrian hamsters together you run a very real risk of injury or death to one or both hamsters! Anyone who cares about animals is not going to say, "oh, yeah, go right ahead" because we do not like to see animals hurt.

If you think that your animal is different from all of its ancestors and you're going to do it anyway then please, I have only one request: Don't tell me you're going to do it!

I'll only feel sick inside that I couldn't stop what really amounts to abuse.

[hammy2]

The reason we are all advising you NOT to introduce other hamsters together is not to attack you it's because we care for your hamsters safety. Syrian hamsters as a species haven't been pets all that long so some of the natural behaviors haven't been bred out. The reason they don't hibinate is not that they are pets it's because the conditions aren't harsh enough for them to need to. They are still capable. Hamsters aren't just cute babies they are living creatures with individual needs. I'm sorry if I sound mean but I don't know how else to say it :-S

[squishyhammy]

pouches you are treatig the hamsters asif they had human feelings and feel the way wedo.... which youmust not do. you KNEW people would say and tell you its a bad idea and trust me nooone is guna chage what theyre gunna say. all animals no matter how domesticated have instincts especially rodents it doesnt matter how much theyve been kept in captivity. you yourself are upsetting people by being so irresponsible and putting your hamsters life at risk! i somehow believe that you posted this to cause a reaction

[LoveCutieMindy]

Aww bless. I know this isn't helpful but my Syrian hamster who went to heaven was named Mindy and she was also a funny, playful little hammy. She lived alone but she also seeked attention from humans and climbed my arms to get out of her cage. Your post reminds me of her. xx Anyway I think your Mindy might feel lonely and wants company which could be why she has changed since Mitzi left. I know Syrians are solitary so Mindy and Oreo or Snickers could fight if they are put together so I would suggest you give her as much attention as possible if that cheers her up and see what happens. xx Good luck hope I helped. xx