Roborovski sister death

[Dave1995]

Hello,

On the 19th of July one of my lovely Robos named Coco died, from what I believe was a fight.
I was out at the time.
When I got back home, Coco was laying in the middle of the cage, I didn't see any blood apart from a small dry drop from her eye.

I knew she only had a few minutes left so I stayed with her and waited until she went. I knew that I couldn't make it to any vet, being a Sunday night and no local vets looking at Hamsters in my area.

After about 10 minutes she died. Coco was only 1 year, 1 month old.

I am very worried about Mocha (Cocos sister and cage mate) She just sits in the corner of my Detolf Cage.

I am not sure what more I can do, though I have thought about splitting it as it seems far too big for a Roborovski on its own.

Does anyone know what I can do? Mocha is very untameable

Should I Split the detolf?

Thank you

[Pebbles82]

So sorry about Coco. We'll probably never know why or how she died - it may have been something other than a fight. I see what you mean - it's like Mocha is still in the same set up without her cagemate. Maybe you could just change the layout. It will need a full clean to remove the smell of Coco, and presumably the current set up is geared towards two hamsters with two house, two wheels etc. If you put it back so there is only Mocha's house and wheel with a different layout and section of a big area for digging maybe (say 1/3 or half the cage full nearly to the top with substrate and some kind of bridge or tube to get into that section and some kind of stick bridge as a 'wall' to keep the substrate in place, it would be a whole new 'single' set up for Mocha. If you're thinking of getting another hamster though, then splitting the detolf could be an option as well. You might need to get all new stuff if keeping Mocha in it though as everything will have Coco's scent. Plastic stuff can be cleaned thoroughly, but wood stuff might need replacing and all new substrate and the tank cleaned down with disinfectant.

I guess the other alternative is move Mocha to a different cage and keep the detolf for another hamster (if you are planning on getting another hamster).

[Teddy001]

I'm very sorry to hear about Coca.. I have a robo, housed in an Ikea Detolf, and the space is not too much for her, due to she explores and walks the length of the cage.. I do have a lot of hides, tunnels and toys in the cage. It may stress your other robo more if you were to move her. x

[racinghamster]

Sorry to hear of your loss Dave. I agree with what`s been suggested already. I wouldn`t bother splitting the Detolf because introducing another robo, or even keeping the splitter in place and having a second robo in the other side, could still cause them some behavioural stress. I never feel it`s worth trying to be honest. Mocha will adapt in time and her manic robo speed is normal. Most robos are not cuddly hamsters so it`s better just to enjoy them for what they are. Speedy little balls of fluff!

Cleaning the tank and making sure the layout has plenty of accessories, egg boxes, tubes, a low shelf at one or either end that Mocha can run up a ramp and run down the other side? Just things that they enjoy really and can feel safe hiding in/under. Providing security and only spot clean afterwards to retain Mochas scent. This is important to hamsters because cleaning them out too often is a bit like someone re-arranging out room and wardrobe!

If you even felt that Mocha would benefit from a smaller habitat, you could consider a Zoozone 1 Perspex cage or something around this size where she could still run around, if you feel the Detolf isn`t giving her the cover she needs. but as suggested, you could reconfigure the layout to make it feel smaller for Mocha.

[cypher]

I'm really sorry to hear about Coca too, it's always hard to lose them & it must have been a real shock.
It's only natural to worry about little Mocha but it is still very soon after Coca died so I would give her more time to adjust to the change before doing anything that could just stress her more.
If you feel the space is too big I agree putting in more small hideouts or toys may help but I'd be patient for a while & see if she settles down & gets back to being her normal self, they do live quite happily alone even after living as pairs so she should be fine with a little time.

[Dave1995]

Thanks for all your help!

I cleaned the detolf out as soon and she died, unfortunately I don't have enough supplies for a digging area. (But I shall get some more soon and try this.)
I have taken out one of the wheels and just left her with 1 and a flying saucer.

Mocha just sits in the corner of the cage at the moment and sometimes goes on her wheel. She hasn't slept much at all.
I keep seeing her looking for her sister :/

I do also agree that fighting might not have been the cause of the death because of Coco was always the 'Boss' of the group. Mocha would normally be the one that losses in their play fights and run away.

I really hope she can get back to her normal self.

Thank you everyone

[racinghamster]

Bless her. It will be a shock to be on her own I suppose but robos are such tough little things I`m sure Mocha will spring back soon. x

[Pebbles82]

Do you have another cage at all? Maybe not right now, but if Mocha doesn't get back to normal soon it could be an idea just to try her in another cage - a totally different environment. I'm just thinking of humans - when someone is bereaved the place is full of memories and familiarity and people often get over it more when they move to a different house. Changing everything in a current house can help (I had to do this once and kind of made it my own) but it was much better when I had a fresh start somewhere else.

[Robodwarfs18]

Sorry for your loss. Coco will be truly missed Hope you and Mocha both are doing well. She must be in shock. Sending my best wishes xx

[ANGELBABIES]

So sorry to hear about little Coco - I too believe it might be something else other than fight. Poor little Mocha - do keep an eye on her.
Play well at the bridge little Coco xx