More than one hamster?

[EssexHamsterMum]

Hi! We are going to get our first hamster next week, for my son's eighth birthday (a little black-haired girl! Can't wait)

But now that we'll have a hamster for my son, my daughter is starting to think about a hamster for HER birthday, too (which is still AGES away, but she's planning...). Now, I understand that Syrians should NEVER be kept together in cages, but what about having two hamsters in different cages in the same house? One of the hamster books that my son is reading says that if you have more than one Syrians in the same house, even in different cages in different rooms, they would become distressed as they would be able to smell eachothers' scents.

Is this going a bit over the top? Is it ok to have 2 Syrians in one house, and keep them in different rooms? If it's really a no-no, then I'll have to encourage my daughter to think of another birthday present when her birthday comes round! Thank you for your help !

[KatiePillow]

Loads of people on here have hamsters in the same room, and nobody has ever reported them being distressed...I think that that book might be going a bit ott,
Not keeping two hamsters in the same house is just a weird concept.. what if you lived in a flat and couldn't help that your neighbour also had one?
I think in theory the book is ok..but in peoples experience I think that they've had no issue with it.

Although I have hear of hamsters chewing through lead to get out when on heat..so if they're of different genders..they can sense each other, but I think that's within the same room..not from across the house..

[EssexHamsterMum]

Thanks, KatiePillow! I thought it sounded a bit over the top! So we might well go from having no hamsters to having two! I'm relieved that my daughter's birthday is six months after my son's, though! Gives us time to prepare

[Fidgetthefirst]

Yeah, i think its fine - i would get two same sex if i was you - just in case because if the female was on heat, some people have had hammys trying to get to them!
- But please make sure your daughter will be responible enough (im assuming you will help ofc if shes only that young) and that its not just a 'spur-of-the-moment-thing'

[EssexHamsterMum]

Thanks - yes, my daughter's ten and very responsible, but of course I'd be there to help out. And her birthday's not for ages, so I'll only get her one if she does the background work - reading up and finding out all about hamsters, as my son has done! They've got to put in some effort beforehand!!! Good advice, though. Thanks

[debs]

i have all 7 Of Mine in my room

[Ellie]

I have 3 additions in one room, mix of 2 males and a female, will also be adding my next ham right along next to them and I have had no issues what so ever

[Podling]

If I recall correctly Hamsterlopaedia does actually say this but in practice I've never heard of it being a problem. Just keep an eye on them I guess and as long as they seem happy it should be fine