I need help!

sarahhhh · 12-27-2019, 06:37 PM

I recently adopted 2 dwarf hamsters from a child who wasnt caring for them and one has been attacking the other. I've bought an emergency cage which is coming tomorrow but its bar spacing is 1cm. I'm very stressed and I don't know what to do.
Someone please will me some kind of advice.

Ria P · 12-28-2019, 05:15 AM

One cm should be fine for a dwarf that's about 1/2 in.

BUT best separate them right now before one gets hurt or worse. A storage box covered with kitchen cooling racks, mesh or anything secure and ventilated will do until the cage arrives. You could even put a blanket with a shelter, food and water and a toy in the bath tub while you set up a temporary box. To split them up when fighting you could blow at them to stop them.

Once they have their own habitats they will be fine. They are lucky to have been rescued by someone who cares about them.

Vierville · 12-28-2019, 07:59 AM

Well done to you for rescuing them! Sadly dwarf hamsters do fight when put together but it is just instinct for them. It doesn't mean that they have a bad nature and they will more than likely be very nice with you.

1cm bar spacing should be absolutely fine. My cages have 0.8cm spacing and even though one of my dwarf hamsters is a tiny baby he is nowhere near small enough to get through the bars.

Yours should be perfectly safe with 1cm spacing.

As Ria P said, please separate them as soon as possible. Dwarf hamsters are capable of causing terrible injuries to each other or even killing each other.

They will also each need as a minimum a wheel ( with a solid running surface and NOT the type that is made of bars that they run on or metal mesh) and a small hide/house that they can feel secure in.

You have done a really kind thing taking them in and I wish you all the very best!

sarahhhh · 12-29-2019, 05:45 AM

Thank you both of you. I seperated them as soon as I could and one was injured. I've registered them with the vet and one has a bin cage and one has a HUGE cage.
Do you have any advice on how to avoid infection in the gash she has on her side?
Thank you again

10Minutes · 12-29-2019, 05:58 AM

You could bring your hamster to the vet.

My Robo was wounded and the wound didn't heal up until I managed to get him to the vet. The vet shaved the surrounding fur, gave a type of ointment for cleaning, a type of ointment for application, and some oral medication. The wound dried up pretty quickly and he's doing great now.

Ria P · 12-29-2019, 06:49 AM

I would take the injured hamster to the vet for a check up.

Vierville · 12-29-2019, 07:19 AM

I would definitely take the injured hamster to the vet. The wound needs to be cleaned thoroughly, disinfected and quite possibly the hamster needs an antibiotic and/or antibacterial cream.

sarahhhh · 12-29-2019, 04:47 PM

Thank you everybody.
The vets was an issue due to funds but I've managed to resolve it and she will be going asap.
Also, the little lady in the new cage is settling in just fine and theyre both happy. You've really put me at ease and I appreciate it. I've never had hamsters before

Ithuviel · 12-31-2019, 08:46 AM

you did a wonderful job. if you have any more questions don't be shy and ask the forum.