Keeping only one hamster

[Goldliver]

Greetings,
I'm staying in a hostel so I have only one hamster (syrian),
so I'm wondering is it okay?
I know that syrian is solidary and all but i'm just wondering will it not cause her harm as I really, if possible just want to have one, so I can give full commitment to her.
I mean, is it okay for her to not mate for her entire life or never get the chance to socialize with another of her kind?
Is mate a necessary thing for a hamster?

Thank you in advance.

[nickoh]

I wouldn't feel so bad since hamsters who meet have a tendency to fight and sometimes get hurt. Syrians are territorial. I think you can only house another if they're young and sister/brother but even then when they reach adulthood you have to separate them.

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by Goldliver

Greetings,
I'm staying in a hostel so I have only one hamster (syrian),
so I'm wondering is it okay?
I know that syrian is solidary and all but i'm just wondering will it not cause her harm as I really, if possible just want to have one, so I can give full commitment to her.
I mean, is it okay for her to not mate for her entire life or never get the chance to socialize with another of her kind?
Is mate a necessary thing for a hamster?

Thank you in advance.

Whilst many people here keep more than one you will find that all will live separately and lead fully independent lives and will only meet another hamster during mating. However it is not necessary for a hamster to breed and isn't recommended unless you know what you are doing.

Your hamster will be just fine as your only hamster and many live happy and healthy lives this way.

[Piebald]

The truth is your Hamster doesn't want any other Hamsters around. So you are doing the right thing by having one.

[Shannonmcn]

There aren't many animals that "need" to mate at all, except maybe ferrets but there are also ways around that. Your ham will be happy alone, safer because syrians will fight when they meet and healthier because babies are pretty dangerous and draining for any species of animal. You can't project human emotions like loneliness onto solitary animals.

[Thin Lizzy]

It's perfectly fine just to have the one hamster. Syrians can't be with other hams so they're used to being on their own. Your bundle of fluff has you. You're providing her with lots of love, care and happiness and that's all she needs.
It's great that the hostel allow you to keep a pet.

[Goldliver]

Thank you all , really appreciate all the answers,
I was worried if hamster has the need to mate.
That is a relief. Thanks.

[racinghamster]

Syrian hamsters are solitary and will kill each other if housed with another one. It`s sensible only to have one only if your in a hostel situation but if your tendency is to move on or live in other places then it`s not wise to have pets really unless your tenancy is secure. x

[DrKMcK]

Hello Goldliver. Not to worry. As everyone else has said, you don't need to mate a hammy. I currently only have one hammy, Nutmeg. She's a rescued Syrian who is very happy living as a single hamster. At different times I may have more hammies in the house, but it's rather nice right now not having to share my time among a bunch of furries. I am enjoying spoiling Nutmeg. So enjoy your little fluff.

[Thin Lizzy]

Goldliver, you're doing a really great job, your little girl has everything she needs, a home, a very caring and generous owner and lots of one to one time with you.