Roborovski hamsters together- help

K4robos · 03-23-2016, 08:55 PM

Ok. So I recently have 4 roborovski hamsters living together, however one was bullying all the rest so I decided to separate her with along with another one. So now there is 2 and 2. The hamster that I put in with the 'bully' is chasing that one but not drawing blood. Shall i put this one back with the other two and leave the bully by herself as she seemed to get along with the others. Although that would mean 3 together which I've heard is not so good.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
They are both in around 550 square inches with a wheel each, a hidey hole each, a food bowl each.
The one I don't no weather to put back with the other 2 has been separated from them for around 5 hours
Thanks

xbuttons94 · 03-25-2016, 03:12 PM

If they have been separated they cannot be put back together as they lose each others scent and will not recognize each other if they are housed together again- it will lead to more fighting. If the 2 you separated together are fighting, you should probably separate them into their own cages. It is difficult to keep them together. Mine didn't live together long before blood was drawn. They will squabble occasionally but if it is constant you should separate them before it leads to something serious.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-25-2016, 03:20 PM

Out of curiosity, how long did the 4 live together? What size cage, was it 550 Sq in originally, for all 4?

Are they litter mates & were you experienced with robos before housing 4 together?

Just trying to learn

thanks!

slatted · 03-25-2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xbuttons94

If they have been separated they cannot be put back together as they lose each others scent and will not recognize each other if they are housed together again- it will lead to more fighting. If the 2 you separated together are fighting, you should probably separate them into their own cages. It is difficult to keep them together. Mine didn't live together long before blood was drawn. They will squabble occasionally but if it is constant you should separate them before it leads to something serious.

There are different theories and experiences about the reintroducing after separation, it is not black and white but will depend upon a lot of factors.

Personally I would leave the bully to herself and return the quiet one, carefully, just keep an eye on them.

It tends to be a matter of personality I find, some Robos can bond even if not raised together whilst others just fall out.

Pebbles82 · 03-25-2016, 05:34 PM

I agree with X buttons. Separate the two that are squabbling and don't put either back with the other pair. You don't want injuries or death for any of them.

K4robos · 03-25-2016, 05:52 PM

Thanks for all replies

Cinnamon bear: I have had pairs of roborovski living together before without problem

how long they were they living together: I only got them on Tuesday ( 3 days ago) and there was 8 of them together living in a rather small pet shop cage

, and finally I'm not sure if they were all litter mates as bought from pet shop

I have separated the one that was with the bully. The 2 that get along are really friendly together grooming and everything which I'm happy about.

K4robos · 03-25-2016, 05:55 PM

Also, does anyone have any experience using sterilised play sand with them. I have heard a lot about it but still unsure weather it is safe for them, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-25-2016, 06:13 PM

Thank you for the info! Sorry you had to pull out the bully but glad you caught it in time! Are you sure they are all the same sex, sorry if stupid question but with pet store you never know? Did the 3rd one go back with the pair? So just the bully is alone right now? Nice of you to rescue 4 hammies & congratulations sorry you are having these problems, hopefully this will be the end of the problems though!

K4robos · 03-26-2016, 02:31 PM

Cinnamon bear: yep I'm sure they all females

I decided to try and put the the one I pulled from the bully back with the pair, I literally stayed up all night to observe them lol. They didn't fight but the one that I did put in their didn't really interact with the other two. They all played on their wheels and out eating etc. But they didn't really do much weather it be good or bad so I'm not sure if I should remove her or not?

slatted · 03-26-2016, 02:53 PM

I would give it a few days and just monitor things as it seems good that there was no conflict when the other one returned. She may just be trying to work out her place in the group now, and the others will too.