Splitting the Detolf tank into 2?

[radcherrywinter]

Hiya! This is my first time posting so sorry for any formatting errors I make

I have previously owned 1 syrian and 2 dwarf hamsters and after I have moved into my new place I am planning on getting another, and using the detolf glass tank as my first hamster's cage was a little small (don't worry, it was definitely above the minimum amount of floorspace! He was just larger than average so it seemed a little small for him) and I was wondering if I could split the tank in 2 with one of the shelves or something and have 2 Syrians, or possibly a Syrian and 2 Dwarves?

I feel that it could be too small, and personally I much prefer Syrians to Dwarf hamsters as when I had Dwarves before they bit a lot and couldn't be held as they were quite agressive (I'm sure it's not true for all dwarf hammies but I'm a little wary of it). Would 2 Syrians be stressed out if they were so close to eachother?

I might just have 1 anyway but I just wanna see what you guys think and what my options are really

Thanks!

[AmityvilleHams]

With two Syrians a split Detolf would be fairly small,and despite being above the US minimum of 450 square inches it still wouldn't be appropriate for long term housing.

However,a split Detolf has potential for housing two robos for example or average sized Chinese and would be adequate in that situation As for Russians,a split Detolf wouldn't be so adequate.

In regards to being held and biting,it really doesn't matter what species of hamster you get.You might get lucky with Syrians more often,but there is absolutely not any sort of guarantee regardless of species that you will get a tame hamster even if they seem tame in a store or shelter or come from a breeder.Dwarf species are just as possible to tame,and with patience and the right technique there is no reason why they couldn't be held

[Robolover21]

Erinsanimals did a video on splitting the detolf a few years ago with Einstein and amylase

[cypher]

I would just get one & use the detolf without splitting it, half would be quite small for a syrian.

[CMB]

The whole Detolf is ok for one Syrian. Length is good, but depth and height are a bit small to have deep substrate and a Syrian sized wheel. However it can be setup to allow a Syrian sized wheel will fit in, by sectioning part off and having little substrate under the wheel. Then deeper substrate in the rest of the cage.

A detolf would be nice if you wanted a dwarf or a pair of dwarfs. It could be split in two if the hamsters fight and need separating. A lot of hiding places, tunnels etc and not too much open space as they can feel too exposed.

[Drago]

I agree with all that has been said above. A single detolf isn't the most ideal enclosure for a single Syrian, so splitting it in two should be avoided if possible. Instead, why not look into dwarfs again? Though you said you've had bad experiences, getting a hamster from a breeder can help with ensuring a pre-tamed animal that won't bite much. A Russian (or Campbells/WW if they're from a breeder) may be a good choice for a beginner dwarf as they tend to be friendlier than the other species. A single Syrian in a detolf would be okay, but you may want to modify the lid so that it's raised in order to fit 8-10 inches or more of bedding as well as a 10.5-12 inch wheel Good luck, and if you ever have any other questions, please ask!

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