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Old 01-27-2020, 04:09 AM   #1
Petite
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Default Two hammies in divided Detolf

I know I'm posting too much about housing just now - but I have just taken delivery of my new Ikea detolf, and am wondering about dividing it in two and keeping two hamsters. Would the two separate cages still be big enough for a winter white or Campbell's?
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Old 01-27-2020, 04:34 AM   #2
Salem13
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

It would be really close to the minimum but I don't think it would be a good idea. They would be able to smell each other and it could cause a lot of stress.
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Old 01-27-2020, 08:14 AM   #3
Petite
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

Thanks, Salem, for your reply. I had wondered about the scent issue too, but have seen several divided Detolfs housing two hamsters. If they are siblings or have always lived together, I could even start them off together as long as I kept a close eye. I'm planning to create some levels, so even if I did need to separate them (I know that is quite likely!) they should both have plenty of space. I've also kept two in cages next to each other with cage type lids, and neither bothered about the other being in close proximity. I guess we will see!
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Old 01-27-2020, 08:29 AM   #4
sarahbutterflies
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

You are able to split the detolf, I think it’s a little bit easier for one of your hamsters to escape into the other part if I’ve heard correctly. I would just say to have one and have the full space for one hamster rather than splitting or having 2 hamster in the full detolf.
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Old 01-27-2020, 10:04 AM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

My two Hybrid dwarves live side by side in two separate bin cages which doesn't seem to bother them.

Personally, i think half a detolf provides enough space for one dwarf and they could share a detolf as long as the divider is 100% hamster proof (not chewable) and not see through. Maybe one of the glass shelves could be an option together with a panel of something non transparent.

I'm only voicing an opinion here because i've never had a detolf due to lack of space.

You can never post too much so don't worry about that, lol.
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Old 01-27-2020, 10:32 AM   #6
Petite
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

Many thanks for the replies. You make a good point, Ria P, about the divider not being chewable, and the glass shelf is a good idea, in addition to some hardboard or something similar.

The Detolf has been put together now, and it looks amazing - although very hamsterless!
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Old 01-27-2020, 12:23 PM   #7
cypher
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

It's not something I've tried myself but I have seen posts in the past where people have had problems with dividers they thought were hamster proofed but the hams found a way though so a lot of thought would be needed.
Unless you're set on getting two hams & don't have any alternative I would suggest just having one in there & making a really great habitat rather than dividing it.
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Old 01-27-2020, 12:33 PM   #8
Petite
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

Quote:
Originally Posted by cypher View Post
Unless you're set on getting two hams & don't have any alternative I would suggest just having one in there & making a really great habitat rather than dividing it.
Thanks for replying, Cypher (love your username!) I was planning on making a really interesting habitat, but it just seems such a big space for one ham. I am quite set on now getting two hammies, and have today amended my order through the garden centre. It could still be a really interesting habitat if they got on, and if they didn't there are still other options. Theo's passing away hit me much harder than I thought it would and with two, they would (I hope) be unlikely to go at the same time, still giving me one to lavish love on and not feel hopelessly bereft. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and having Theo helped me so much I don't want to be without one again.

Edit: it will be a very hamster-proof divider!!!
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Old 01-27-2020, 01:47 PM   #9
cypher
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

I can totally understand that, losing a ham is always devastating but having another is a real comfort & can really help us cope with the loss.
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Old 01-28-2020, 09:22 AM   #10
sarahbutterflies
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Default Re: Two hammies in divided Detolf

Quote:
Originally Posted by Petite View Post
Thanks for replying, Cypher (love your username!) I was planning on making a really interesting habitat, but it just seems such a big space for one ham. I am quite set on now getting two hammies, and have today amended my order through the garden centre. It could still be a really interesting habitat if they got on, and if they didn't there are still other options. Theo's passing away hit me much harder than I thought it would and with two, they would (I hope) be unlikely to go at the same time, still giving me one to lavish love on and not feel hopelessly bereft. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and having Theo helped me so much I don't want to be without one again.

Edit: it will be a very hamster-proof divider!!!
Honestly there’s not such a thing as too much space for a hamster enclosure. In the wild hamsters have unlimited space and are usually alone, so it’s always best to try to accommodate that. A reason why it’s not recommended for having 2 hammies is because they don’t have that unlimited amount of space to run away if there is confrontation which could ultimately lead to death if not caught soon enough. I understand that it is hard to go through something like that but it is also best to keep the hamster’s health and care in mind too. I think it’s better to provide great care for 1 hamster than okay care for 2 hamsters, not saying that you would. If you’re still set on getting 2 hamsters and can afford it I would get 2 detolfs rather than having 2 cages just above the recommended minimum for 2 hamsters.
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