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Old 04-04-2018, 01:10 PM   #1
actual junk
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Default Owning Multiple Hamsters?

I have had my lovely long haired syrian hamster for a year and a few months now, and I love him to pieces. I've recently been thinking of perhaps looking to own another ham, but I would love to know people's feelings on owning more than one hamster? I know many people do I'm just interested to hear people's different experiences! I have an incredibly close bond with my current hamster, and I don't want that to suffer at all, but I get so much joy from the little bundle of fluff that I can't help but wonder if owning another would double the fun? But I'm concerned it could dilute the time I get to spend with my current hamster. What are people's experiences/preferences?
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Old 04-04-2018, 02:24 PM   #2
EJoy123
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Default Re: Owning Multiple Hamsters?

I had a long haired Syrian (Willow) who I loved to pieces as well. I also kept an eye out for other hamsters and found a cute wee Russian who was up for adoption and managed to convince my parents to take me to the shelter. Now, the photo on the rescue centre's website had cleverly hidden the side of wee Vlad where he had hair loss so I didn't know about that until I met him. I couldn't not adopt him because of the hair condition, so I went ahead with it.
On the whole it was ok having two hamsters, although I enevitively spent less time with Willow, and in this particular situation it was really quite stressful as the vets didn't know the cause of Vlad's increasing hair loss and hadn't completely ruled out mites, so I went a bit crazy washing my hands between handling sessions.

Both of those hamsters passed last year and I now have a male Syrian, Toby. I'm currently looking after a friend's Guinea pigs too, and it's made me consider having two hamsters again! There's lots of beautiful hamsters needing new homes near me, so I'm currently hoping to adopt one again!

You know best whether you'll be able to give two hamsters adequate time, and also you obviously have to make sure you have access to all the equipment which could be especially expensive if you're getting appropriate sized cage and wheel for another Syrian. I hope it goes well whatever you choose! Keep us updated!
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Old 04-04-2018, 05:13 PM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Owning Multiple Hamsters?

I had a similar dilemma with our last Syrian Charlie. I wanted to get another hamster, and also didn't want to be left without a hamster when he passed. However, I didn't get another one because he was quite old and like you, had a close bond. I was concerned he may pine away if there was competition at his stage of life! So I think it was better for him that I didn't get another hamster, but it would have been easier for me to still have one when he passed.

So I would say - it depends what age your hamster is. I think generally they do fine with another hamster around. I got a roborovski when our current syrian was a few months old. I think he was aware of the newcomer and got more fussy for attention but everything soon settled down to normal. Also our robo isn't tame so the Syrian gets most of the handling

I find having a Syrian and a Robo is a good combination. I think having two Syrians you would need to give them both attention regularly and it would be extra time probably.
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Old 04-04-2018, 11:38 PM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: Owning Multiple Hamsters?

A lot really depends on the hamsters & how much time you have.
If your ham has a lot of out of cage time & enjoys a lot of attention then it may be difficult to manage another ham at the same time, I've found they do get into a routine usually but with 3 or 4 all clamouring for attention at once I have felt a bit stretched sometimes!
I think possibly the most difficult time is when you're going through the taming process with a new hamster & not worked out a routine yet where you can give both hams all the time they want when they want it.
I really enjoy having more than one & have found it to be a real comfort not being without a hamster at all when one goes to the bridge.
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Old 04-13-2018, 10:44 AM   #5
Teddy001
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Default Re: Owning Multiple Hamsters?

It boils down to time, & expenses. If you have the time for multiple hamsters, go for it!!
I have 6 total, that get quality time, although, it’s a little more financially, taking into consideration, extra supplies & possible vet bills.
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