Worried about Bertie

Dilly · 10-21-2013, 01:18 PM

I have 2 female Syrians, Willow and Bertie. Obviously they are kept in separate cages but are nearby and I imagine that they can smell each other. I also have a playpen that I have loads of toys in and get them out each night to play in it (separately of course).

Willow doesn't seem at all bothered by the presence and smell of another hamster but it seems to be making Bertie really nervous. When I get her out to play she seems really scared and spends most of the time in the house I have in the playpen. Is it likely to be the smell of Willow that is stressing her out? If it is, what is the best way to reduce the stress its giving her.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 10-21-2013, 01:33 PM

Maybe you could try placing the cages further apart?

**DrKMcK** · 10-21-2013, 06:38 PM

Some hammies are more sensitive than others, just like people. I'd try to do what Krill says and move them away from each other. You might have to have Bertie have playtime in the bathtub with her own toys so she has no scent of Willow around...at least until you can be sure that it really is Willow's scent that's upsetting her. You can also just have her playtime on the bed or couch with you while observing if her nervousness stays the same. Hope this helps.

Dilly · 10-22-2013, 01:42 AM

Thanks guys. I will try putting their cages in separate rooms and see if that helps. My boyfriend has offered to have one of them at his house if that doesn't work.