Chuck and Lou S.O.S.

Colin · 11-20-2014, 01:36 PM

I recently bought two robo's from petco, they were living in the cage together and doing just fine. I bought them all the essentials. I got an adequate cage and enough food, one den, and one wheel.
I started hearing loud squaks coming from their cage. I new they were fighting but I thought at first it was just being playful. I studied up on this forum and on youtube, learning that they will need to be separated if blood is drawn.... Well I'm almost 100% that blood was drawn. I don't have the money/space for a whole other cage. I have enough food and materials to last one/ two robos a while, but another cage is too much for me.
Should I just return Lou (the bitten robo)? I am hesitant because they get along in the day and Lou isn't in any discomfort. He is just missing fur and it looks as if he has bled, but I'm still not 100%. I have scattered food, and got two wheels, but still just one den. I really need help.

Shannonmcn · 11-20-2014, 05:43 PM

I would remove Lou to some sort of storage bin or travel cage asap and yes, if you can't care for him then you can try and return him to the pet store or a shelter. If blood is drawn there's a real risk of fighting to the death, it's only a matter of time.

**DrKMcK** · 11-20-2014, 06:14 PM

Shannonmcn is right. If you don't separate them now, it will get worse, and that would be terrible. If you cannot have two hammies in separate cages, it's better to either return one to a pet store or a rescue. It's such a shame this happened.

Colin · 11-20-2014, 06:15 PM

Thanks, I do care for him. I will return him immediately

Thin Lizzy · 11-20-2014, 08:41 PM

Hi Colin sorry to hear your robos are fighting, you really need to seperate them because they could end up badly injured or worse dead.
Petco should've informed you about robos maybe fighting and the need for 2 cages should this happen.

Recently in Pets At Home I was asking about robos and the girl actually advised me that should I decide to go for the robos or any dwarf hamsters then it's best not to buy in pairs for them to share the same cage as a big majority end up fighting and need to be seperated immediately.

She actually asked me if I had a spare cage at home, I was really surprised at the questions she asked me and answers she gave. So helpful.
I've still to buy but, I know that I'll be going for one and only one.

If you can' t afford a new home and the accessories then I think you should return the fighter one and Petco can put it up for adoption

I do think you haven't been properly advised by the staff.

NiceCrocs · 11-20-2014, 09:27 PM

Pet shop employees are ridiculously misinformed, particularly here in the US it seems. Not too long ago I had a clerk try to convince me to let my Roborovski live with my SYRIAN. Ugh /facepalm/

But yeah, they definitely should be separated

if you cannot support them both separately, it may be best for all for one to be returned to the shop.

Alouette · 11-20-2014, 11:02 PM

I agree, definitely separate them. [Many pet shop employees I've talked to know next to nothing about hamsters, one told me that robos were hybrids and "man-made" whatever that meant. How ridiculous is that?]

Colin · 11-20-2014, 11:20 PM

Guys thanks so much! I returned Lou

but I knew it had to be done. I hope they take good care of him.... The guy at petco was knowledgeable, but he focused on the aspect of robo's liking company. other than that, I think the size of my cage had a big impact on this outcome. They are actually my first hamsters ever... I feel I made the best choice but I'm just sad.

Chuck seems to be disengaged too. I mean he is the one who was bitting lou but he just seems sad. He doesn't want to leave the new wooden enclosure I bought him..

souffle · 11-21-2014, 12:34 AM

It'll take about 10 days for him to settle down so give him time. I wouldn't give small houses where he can hide out though as it is difficult to get them out for taming from these. Best using the igloo type till he is moce and tame. They usually become more people friendly eventually so I'm sure he will settle x

cypher · 11-21-2014, 01:19 AM

It's easy to make mistakes when there's such poor advice out there but you did the right thing Colin, well done for that.
I'm sure you do feel sad to have had to give Lou up & worried about Chuck but I'm sure he'll soon settle down & be really happy on his own now.