Dwarf hamsters fighting or play-fighting?

Bethyboo11 · 05-29-2016, 09:22 AM

So at the moment I'm currently taking care of my friends Campbell's dwarf hamsters, whom are both young males (around 12 weeks). I have noticed that they are squeaking and fighting, and one of them is showing dominance to the other one, and the other one seems to be really submissive and scared. The submissive hamster also has a cut on his eye. This may sound extremely bad, but they sleep together at nights, and go on their wheel together.
If they need to be separated I can't, as they are not my hamsters. So please give me some advice for the present, and some advice to tell my friend when she comes back from her vacation/holiday in a week!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 05-29-2016, 09:31 AM

Can you call your friend? If there is blood drawn ie. cut on his eye, you have to separate or your friend will have an injured animal or a dead animal with vet fees. She left the animals with your care so if you can't get ahold of your friend I'm sure she will be grateful once you told her they were fighting and had to be separated to prevent further injury.

If you don't have a spare cage you will need to make one such as a bin cage. with a water bottle attached with Velcro maybe.

Your friend should refund the money you spent to separate them. I'd really try to get ahold of her.

cypher · 05-29-2016, 10:26 PM

It's difficult when these aren't your hams but it does sound as though they will need to be separated, they will still often continue to sleep together & have moments when they seem friendly toward each other but once signs of dominance & fighting reach this stage the submissive one could become seriously injured or worse.
I would try to contact your friend explain how serious this is & if you can make a temporary cage out of a storage bin if you can't get another cage then separate them.

flowerfairy · 05-30-2016, 04:52 AM

I hope you are able to contact your friend. My two roborovski girls had to be separated due to squeeks and wrestling.

I bought the alaska from zooplus which is great value and a good size. Could that be an option?

Best of luck.