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Old 08-18-2020, 08:25 AM   #11
Ria P
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Location: Wiltshire, UK
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

Hiya Mrs B,

you don't have to live in the UK to become a member here. People from all over the world are members and i vaguely remember reading that the founder of Hamster Central is Canadian so it may not even have started in the UK in the first place.

If you're planning on keeping two hamsters together in one cage, you'll need to have a second cage on standby because hamsters can fall out and fight at any time. Personally, i would never keep hamsters together because they are territorial creatures who do better on their own.

ps: i know the lovely part of the world you come from well, having lived in the Scottish Highlands for many years.
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Old 08-18-2020, 10:27 PM   #12
MrsB
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

Thank you for your lovely welcome - glad to know this is a world-wide group. I must admit I was horrified at keeping two hamsters together, but my only experience is (a very limited) Syrian one. The breeder is very confident that I can keep two (very young) males from the same litter together. I hope I won't be sharing any more sad stories with you all. I am so looking forward to learning much from everyone here.
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Old 08-18-2020, 10:33 PM   #13
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

I would strongly advise against trusting that breeder when it comes to keeping two hamsters together regardless of species. Hamsters of all species are highly territorial and would not be living together in the wild - ultimately something that leads to a wide range of serious and potentially emotionally devastating problems, and it really isn't fair to any hamsters involved who will be significantly happier on their own!
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Old 08-19-2020, 07:19 AM   #14
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

There are quite a few different views on keeping pairs of dwarf hamsters . Many feel they shouldn’t be kept in pairs as it’s so common for them to fall out and need separating. Breeders are often keen on keeping them in pairs and know how to do it successfully mostly. Some people do manage to keep a pair together for life but it’s not that common. Some breeders will say Roborivski hamsters do better in pairs more than other dwarf hamsters.

You have had a hamster before and knew how to set up the cage for a pair so if you want to try it I think that is a choice- but as the others say you always need a spare cage in case you need to separate them quickly. Any sign of squabbling can lead to maiming or death. Some people feel they should never be kept in pairs as there have been some horrible outcomes- but if you’re aware of what to look out for then I can understand why people want to try keeping a pair. If you do have to separate them then you will still have two hamsters but they won’t be able to be out of the cage at the same time for handling (unless in different rooms). Whereas when they live together it’s quite important to take them both out together or one can get territorial in the cage very quickly if the other is taken out for handling.

So it’s one of those things where there are different views. Technically it’s not necessary for them to live together- but a sibling pair can - as long as observed carefully.
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Old 08-19-2020, 08:59 AM   #15
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

Hello and welcome to the forum, abeit it on sad circumstances

It looks like you have been given some very decent advice already. When I saw your vet didn't know how to get ivermectin I did suspect you weren't UK based.

In terms of deciding on a pet for (you) and your grand daughters, as others have said, if you do get two then there is the risk you would have to separate.

I know we are a hamster forum and obviously advocate how wonderful hammies are! However I know in the USA some small pets are harder to source from reputable places.. have you considered guinea pigs perhaps or rats?

Whattever you decide, we welcome worldwide members. Yes oour memberbase is heavily UK based but by having members from all over the world we can share our knowledge. My friend in Florida actually ships over cages and things from the UK!
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Old 08-19-2020, 04:20 PM   #16
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

That is a good suggestion from Amethyst. Guinea pigs and rats are species who actually need to live with company from another one - at least two I think. Different cage would be needed though! But you are probably like most of us - smitten with hamsters
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Old 08-19-2020, 04:25 PM   #17
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
But you are probably like most of us - smitten with hamsters
10 years of keeping rats, 12 years keeping hammies... every time I lose a ham I say "that's it.. no more hammies..." yet I havent been without a hammy I don't know how i'd manage if I only had my old man and not the rats though... I rarely see him whereas the rats are on hand pretty much 24/7...always someone around for me to annoy to smoosh my face into! They are also quite "robust" pets.. my brother has autism and when he was younger was a little rough with them at times..I never let him near the hammies
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Old 08-20-2020, 10:31 AM   #18
MrsB
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Default Re: Introduction and sad story ... and need a little advice ...

I'm still learning how to use this forum ... just want to thank you all for the amazing advice and help as well as the empathy.
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