Hamster squabbling

[feebi]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice please.

I have 2 male dwarf hamsters, likely hybrids, who I got a week and a half ago. They have always squabbled a little but over the last few days they have been sqabbling more and more, usually one is on its back with the other on top, looking like it's nipping. I haven't seen any injuries but they aren't totally tame yet so it's not easy to see small things.

They originally didn't have two of everything but I learned early on to get 2 of everything but they still would squabble over wheels etc, the wheels weren't the same so not sure if this is a issue. They never fought over food etc.
Last night them were squabbling quite a bit and when they went to settle down to sleep this morning one was in the nest and the other curled up under a wood toy ,at times sticking his head out looking sad, they have always slept together as far as I know.

Anyway I have separated one who as soon as I put him in set about eating and taking food to his new house/bed.

I'm just wondering if I have separated them to early? Were they just play fighting? Etc
Thanks

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi feebi, and welcome to HC.
So relieved you've separated them, they can never be kept together once you've separated them.
It might have started of as play fighting but by what you've said, it sounds like one was being bullied by the other.
You'll start to notice in the coming days, weeks a change in the one being bullied, he'll gain more confidence and his personality will come through. Hamsters are more than capable of entertaining themselves.

[Shannonmcn]

It's better to be safe than sorry and separating them "too early" is so much better than waiting too long until one of them gets hurt. You've done the right thing although they can technically be kept in pairs (sometimes!) they don't need social interaction like other animals such as rats or mice or guinea pigs and they will be perfectly happy and less stressed out alone. Less stress for you too since you don't have to worry about them fighting

[racinghamster]

Hello feebi. You have done them a favour. More often than not, dwarf hamsters are sold in pairs, or adopted in pairs and can be fine for a few days/weeks and then all hell breaks loose. It could be the tiniest thing that starts them off like cage cleaning or just switching cages. Having two of everything helps, but it doesn`t always stop the escalation of `in fighting`.

Keep them apart now and enjoy them separately. They can`t play together either. They should be kept as singletons now and live happier lives. Welcome to the mad world of fluffs! x

[feebi]

Thanks guys, that's made me a lot happier that it was the right thing to do

[Thin Lizzy]

What are your hams called?

[feebi]

They are Tom and Jerry

[Thin Lizzy]

Lol! Classic! Tom and Jerry, I love it!