Time to separate?

[kabobby]

Hi all,

I posted about a month ago when I first got my two dwarfies, Alvin and Elmo. I noticed they didnt seem to get on too well and was wondering whether they were play fighting or real fighting. I have become increasingly concerned over the last few days and was wondering is it now time to separate the two boys.

I have had a pair of dwarfs before ( sisters) and I never had concerns. they loved each other a lot and were very close. But with these two guys I just dont feel they like each other all that much. they sleep together during the day but when they are up and about in the evening they go around on their own and when they cross paths Alvin goes up to Elmo and throws himself on his back until elmo goes up to him and then he starts to squeek and they start rolling around until alvin gets hysterical and runs off. I dont understand this behaviour because it seems like Alvin is antagonising Elmo but then playing the victim. this behaviour has been going on for quite some time now but neither of them has any cuts or scratches from these rows.

Could anyone shed any light on what behaviour alvin is displaying? I have never seen Elmo bullying alvin. it is always alvin who throws himself on his back first and elmo is just walking by usually, not showing him much interest. should I separate them today? thanks for reading Any insight on this would be much appreciated

[Oshawott]

I don't know much about dwarfs, and somebody will undoubtly give you amazing advice soon; but I'd say if they're starting to show signs now then it might be best to separate them early. Better that than risk not being there to separate them when/if they get a bit more vicious!

Best of luck and I hope they are just playing!

[The Hamster's family]

There is no blood for now... So no emergency. Make sure your cage is suitable... Could you post a pict of their cage ??

[kabobby]

I will try and post a pic of their setup later when i get the chance but i will just describe it for now. it is a kerry terrarium from zooplus so has lots of space and i have two of everything and no extra levels. there are plenty of little areas for them to go in and switch things around every few days for plenty of enrichment.
There has been no blood drawn on any occasion and they never fight for long. there is just a lot of rolling around together and Alvin freaks out even though he is the one who has initiated it. Im puzzled!

[The Hamster's family]

Originally Posted by kabobby

I will try and post a pic of their setup later when i get the chance but i will just describe it for now. it is a kerry terrarium from zooplus so has lots of space and i have two of everything and no extra levels. there are plenty of little areas for them to go in and switch things around every few days for plenty of enrichment.
There has been no blood drawn on any occasion and they never fight for long. there is just a lot of rolling around together and Alvin freaks out even though he is the one who has initiated it. Im puzzled!

Maybe stop to switch things around every few days... as it can cause stress on hams... Leave things as they are (if not dangerous) and give them some time to relax... Make sure ALL of the houses/toys have 2 exits so no one feels trapped once in...

[kabobby]

Cool thanks. what i switch around is their chew toys. I give them different toys twice a week but things like their houses and wheels etc havent moved since i got them.

[The Hamster's family]

Originally Posted by kabobby

Cool thanks. what i switch around is their chew toys. I give them different toys twice a week but things like their houses and wheels etc havent moved since i got them.

Don't give them new toys and check what it does... =)

[kabobby]

I will try anything at this stage.... Thanks

[The Hamster's family]

Originally Posted by kabobby

I will try anything at this stage.... Thanks

I might not have THE solution, but it might help... =) Other answers will come... =)

[Cindyrads]

I'm not an expert on hamster behavior but it feels to me like Alvin is just being submissive to Elmo and is showing it when they meet by rolling over on his back. It's probably a boy thing.