Help for my kids hamster, please! - Page 2

**babyboos** · 02-08-2006, 10:38 AM

I would say leave the old boy alone and get a friend for the youngster as soon as you can.

souffle · 02-09-2006, 06:21 AM

I have asked around and as Babyboos said better to leave the old one on its own now. Even experienced breeders sometimes find it hard to re-pair dwarfs.

Stacy · 02-09-2006, 07:40 PM

I am taking your advice and leaving the old crabby one alone. It is very jittery and tries to scratch me when I feed it by hand. Poor thing seems shaken up. I did get the new one a friend asap from the same store and it is exactly the same size and color...I'm assuming its a sibling. They seem to be getting along just fine. Thanks again!

souffle · 02-10-2006, 04:33 AM

It seems that hamsters really do feel the loss of a partner and grieve for it. I hope he settles down soon and feels a bit happiers and tamer. Glad to hear the new pair have settled. Hope they are same sex or you'll end up with babies!

Stacy · 02-10-2006, 08:06 AM

Well, we have a new development here. The new ones have started fighting. They were squeaking through the night and now one seems to be trying to dominate the other. Is this normal? Should I just let it play out or do I separate them again???? Two cages I can handle, three is a bit much! I really didn't think we would have a problem because these ones were from the same place and I got them within 24 hours of each other. My goodness!!!!

souffle · 02-10-2006, 11:38 AM

I would try and persevere with the new pair. Make sure the cage is big enough for two and that there is two of everything available, two nest boxes, two wheels, two food bowls etc and have plenty hidy holes so they can escape from each other. Deep litter so they can burrow and plenty toilet roll tubes etc so they can be alone if they want to. They can be quite vocal a sqaubelsome but unless they actually draw blood I would keep a close eye on them and see if they get used to each other. If they really do have a go at each other it would be necessary to separate and you could try and rehome one or the pet store may take it back. Good luck

**babyboos** · 02-10-2006, 03:15 PM

this is not unusual behaviour please don't worry

try to rub them together to spread their scent amongst them and help speed up the bonding process

make sure they have a potty as they will pee and bathe in the sand helping to mix their scents

as souffle advises providing two of everything is essential

and make sure you handle both for equal length of time and the bully last

keep an eye on them for actual cuts or gashes, especially around the rear-end

Personalityhamsters · 06-04-2006, 10:29 PM

I had 2 fancy blue rats and I went away for a weekend leaving them with my grandpa.. I got a call from him to tell me that his border collie got in the spare room and killed one of my babies.. I was so sad I came home a day earlier from my trip and found Sunflower the one that didn't die sitting in the corner.. I felt bad because they'd been together for a year. A week past and she was eating and drinking but I could tell she was lonely so I waited a few more days and then got another friend for her. She was a blue Dumbo. SO CUTE Anyway she did fine with her, or so I thought. I left the room and came back and she was dead... I'm guessing she missed her sister because she's never been aggressive with anything and it must have been a traumatic experience too, that's why I waited 2 weeks to get another.. But I really don't trust her anymore, although I really do want to get her a friend.. I just couldn't believe what happened...