Brothers fighting!

shadowkatz · 12-27-2015, 01:30 PM

I've had my two little robo hamsters for about 3 weeks. They seemed to get along ok for the most part. The bigger one (Mary) was a bit pushy and grabbed things from the little one and seemed to push him around (as well as took a bite out of me more than once), but it didn't seem like anything serious. The little one (Pipin) was really shy and would hide a lot more than the other one as well as wouldn't run as much.
I was starting to get a little worried about behavior, but then I had to leave for a day, and I made sure they had new food and water and I wasn't going to be gone long but when I got back Mary had a big cut by the side of his head then as I was feeding them Mary backed pipin into a corner on his back legs then went chasing him around. he chased Pipin into his little house and kept seeming to nip at him, but no blood was drawn.
I didn't really know what to do so I separated them off into their own cages for the time being and would really appreciate some advice.
I want to make sure my little buddies are ok. before this I've only owned a single mouse at a time so I really have no frame of reference if this is normal behavior or not.

Shannonmcn · 12-27-2015, 02:05 PM

It is normal for pairs not to stay happy together forever, especially as they start to mature beyond the baby stage and start to want their own territory. Some do stay happy together longer but it's not unusual for them to need split up.

You've done the right thing separating them. If there was a cut then that's the point where the advice is to get them separated asap before it escalates any further. Unfortunately its not going to be safe to reintroduce them, they will see the other as an intruder and they might even fight to the death. They will be happy alone from now on, the poor little one getting picked on particularly, he will probably come right out of his shell now and you'll see a bit more of his little personality now he can relax and have his own space

racinghamster · 12-28-2015, 02:16 AM

Keep them separated now shadowcatz as one has taken a dislike to the other and the chasing and attacking behaviour has escalated, so this alone indicates that they are not going to get along. Pairs are notorious for this so don`t feel bad about it. They will live happily on their own now and you also won`t need to worry about leaving them alone. A cage/tank each with all the accessories they need will keep them happy. Just never put them together again. Robos are happy playing in their own little world and don`t need a lot of fussing or handling. If they both have a good wheel, a cosy cardboard box to dig under and deep substrate, they will be happy little chaps. x

shadowkatz · 12-29-2015, 12:34 PM

Thank you both so much for the advice. I do now have them in separate cages. luckily I already had wheels, and water bottles enough to set up the second cage. thanks for your help!

racinghamster · 12-30-2015, 03:04 AM

Great! Let us know how they are getting on. Enjoy them as individuals now and they will be a lot happier, as will you not having to worry about their safety! x

HenriandHobieHammies · 12-30-2015, 06:29 AM

Both boys?

shadowkatz · 12-30-2015, 05:41 PM

yes they are both boys

shadowkatz · 12-30-2015, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

Great! Let us know how they are getting on. Enjoy them as individuals now and they will be a lot happier, as will you not having to worry about their safety! x

They seem to be doing a lot better! Pipin has started letting me rub his back and takes treats from me!
Mary is still pretty moody but maybe a little less so?

racinghamster · 12-31-2015, 08:33 AM

That`s good to hear. Roborovski hamsters are very independent little creatures and although they can be handled (for about 0.0 seconds!) they are happier living in their own little world with owners being mindful of their speed and ability to fall or injure themselves easily, so any handling is best done low down inside the cage/tank so it they do dash off, they don`t plunge to the floor or worse, escape out a door.

Patience pays dividends so your going about things the right way now. Separating them and taking time to get to know them as individuals and giving each time to settle again, well done. x

flowerfairy · 12-31-2015, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowkatz

They seem to be doing a lot better! Pipin has started letting me rub his back and takes treats from me!
Mary is still pretty moody but maybe a little less so?

Brilliant. Well done. My two are both shy of my hands but getting used to my voice now.