True or False!

J.Bosley · 05-31-2013, 08:15 PM

Hey.
I was just told by a hamster rescue that if I separate my two male dwarf hamsters that they will become aggressive towards me. Is this true or false?

The reason for separating is because I have seen a bit of aggression between them.

**DrKMcK** · 05-31-2013, 09:47 PM

Lordy! Why do people do that? That is not true. If they are getting aggressive toward each other, you are absolutely correct to separate them. In fact, without the stress of dealing with each other, and given some time to adjust, lots of hammies become quite affectionate toward their owners. Do what you need to do, let them settle, and just go slow with them until they get used to being alone. And definitely ask questions here if you need info.

LavoChain · 05-31-2013, 10:44 PM

I'm not sure why they would tell you that. Aggression towards each other needs to be addressed if it's severe enough, otherwise one could get hurt or stop feeding. Actually if one is being bullied it may become more outgoing once alone, I've found this happens quite often.

If it is only slight aggression and they are not showing any more, I would consider keeping them together if they can work through it. Do you have a cage of 74x40cm or more? Two wheels, food dishes, water bottles and no hidey holes than one can get trapped in? If not I'd suggest you do those before separating. If they continue to fight though, as in most time you see them together, it is much better to separate than have one or both hurt.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 06-01-2013, 10:27 AM

Yeah thats not something I've heard before... It won't happen. If anything separation tends to make dwarf hams rely on the human more for attention because they aren't getting it from a cagemate anymore.
I also agree with the advice LavoChain has given

J.Bosley · 06-01-2013, 04:40 PM

They have 2 of everything, a fairly large cage (now) and only tubes for hides. They are still fighting and the one doesn't like the other eat! If he goes to a food dish, he gets attacked. If he goes to the other dish, attacked again! I bought another cage to separate them.

I figured it wasn't true, I've just never had Hamsters! So I wanted to double check. As long as at least one stays nice a friendly I am happy

I will work with both of them though to ensure that they, hopefully, stay friendly.

**DrKMcK** · 06-01-2013, 07:10 PM

Hi again J.Bosley. Yes, it sounds like it's time. You certainly don't want to wait until one winds up at the vets, or worse. Poor hammy who can't eat

. It's really not their fault, it's just a territory thing that seems to be more important for some hammies than others. They should both turn out okay, as long as you go slowly and let them go at their own pace. Good for you on your plans to work with them both. Patience will be your best friend in working with hammies. When they calm down and settle in, pictures would be welcomed.

J.Bosley · 06-01-2013, 07:13 PM

Thanks!

I will definitely be posting pictures. Moved the Chubby guy (Basil) into the new cage tonight. Hopefully he will settle down! He was basically exploring the cage like a mad man haha. Also bought them Hamster balls to help them loose some weight! New food being mixed with the old stuff, and some new chewies

Hopefully they both settle in soon! How long should I hold off handling them? Basil (the brown/fat one) seems to be a LOT friendlier than Dill.

**DrKMcK** · 06-01-2013, 07:24 PM

I'd give them a 1-2 days to settle down and then start handing a treat in on the flat of your hand. Since you had already started letting them know you, it shouldn't take long before they willingly hop on your hand. My very favorite thing to help a hammy get used to me is to let one go in the ball and then I open the ball when I'm in the tub, sitting down. Hammy crawls out and around me and on me without having to be picked up. It seems to me the fastest way I've seen for them to feel safe with me. Can't hurt to try, right?

J.Bosley · 06-01-2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

I'd give them a 1-2 days to settle down and then start handing a treat in on the flat of your hand. Since you had already started letting them know you, it shouldn't take long before they willingly hop on your hand. My very favorite thing to help a hammy get used to me is to let one go in the ball and then I open the ball when I'm in the tub, sitting down. Hammy crawls out and around me and on me without having to be picked up. It seems to me the fastest way I've seen for them to feel safe with me. Can't hurt to try, right?

That is a FANTASTIC idea!!

Makes a lot of sense... right now the chubby one seems fine with my hand in the cage (was re-arranging his home), whereas the skinnier one is very flinchy... so he will take the most work. I have NO idea who should get which name... haha. I will have to post a pic or two and get everyone to help me choose!

J.Bosley · 06-01-2013, 07:42 PM

Help me name them!

The names are Dill and Basil, who should get which name?!

The brown one is the fatter one, the white one is definitely more shy