Roborovskis

[Petite]

I have been thinking for a while about getting a second hamster, and would quite like a Roborovski. I believe generally they don't have any specific needs other than those than pertain to dwarfs generally (please correct me if I'm wrong!) However, I know they are very active, and wondered what size cage would be needed. Can anyone help?

[LunaTheHamster1]

Originally Posted by Petite

I have been thinking for a while about getting a second hamster, and would quite like a Roborovski. I believe generally they don't have any specific needs other than those than pertain to dwarfs generally (please correct me if I'm wrong!) However, I know they are very active, and wondered what size cage would be needed. Can anyone help?

For a robo, I would suggest something around the 80x50cm

Viovet currently have the zoozone which is 100x50cm for £48.69, which is a great price and a great size for robos, although the lid will need meshing.

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Zoo-Zone-Cr...e+cage&sct_r=1

My foster Robo is currently in the marrakesh cage which is 100 x 50cm and she seems to love it, no signs of stress behaviour.

[Corbeens]

Both of my robos aboslutely adore sand, and both of mine have greatly preferred digging their own burrows to any houses I've bought for them. Robos also seem to be very fond of mealworms if you aren't opposed to feeding them (dried ones are what I use although I've heard of people using live ones as it's more natural).

[sushi_78]

I think 80x50cm+ would be the recommended size. I had mine in a Duna Multy (about 70x45cm) which was a perfect size for her but she was never a very active hamster (odd for a Robo). I can see how it would have been a little small for most Robos. They do love burrowing so although 6 inches would be the minimum bedding depth, and would fit in most barred cages, if you can get a tank that would be great. The Marrakesh is good. Mine liked to have her house buried in the substrate so she could burrow down to it.

[Petite]

Many thanks - that's exactly what I needed to know. I'd love to offer a home to a robo - it's just a matter of convincing my other half that we really need another hamster!

[Fluffagrams]

I've had a few Robos now and whilst they're not a species that enjoys lots of cuddles, they really are the sweetest little things. My girls in particular will often be the first to come out and say hello when I walk into the room.

I have found that on a whole my Robos have been very easy to please and mine usually live happily in bin cages of about 60x40cm but in the past I've had hamsters that are happy with more space and others that may need something smaller so it really does depend on your hamster's personality.

[Ithuviel]

My female robo was hard to tame as opposed to the russian dwarfs. It took 4 months for her to come in my hand and take treats. She had a 70x45 cm diy cage.

[Petite]

Originally Posted by Fluffagrams

I've had a few Robos now and whilst they're not a species that enjoys lots of cuddles, they really are the sweetest little things. My girls in particular will often be the first to come out and say hello when I walk into the room.

I have found that on a whole my Robos have been very easy to please and mine usually live happily in bin cages of about 60x40cm but in the past I've had hamsters that are happy with more space and others that may need something smaller so it really does depend on your hamster's personality.

Thank you, it's helpful to know this. I have heard they can be up and around occasionally during the day (depending on the hamster!) which would be nice as we don't see much of our dwarf, Freya. I appreciate that they're not a particularly tactile species - but then, neither is Freya!

[Petite]

Two more questions:-

Do robos need anything different diet-wise to dwarfs? I feed Freya on Harry Hamster and she always seems to have been very happy with this.

The other question is, I know, a thorny one! I'm thinking of dividing my Detolf (but not during Freya's lifetime - that would not make for a happy hammy!) I appreciate that there are those on the forum who would never, ever, do this, but there also (I believe) some who have. Would it be better to put two robos in the two halves, or could I house a robo and a dwarf?

(I will take cover now to avoid the onslaught from those who think I'm a terrible hamster owner! I'm asking because I don't think I am a terrible hamster owner, and want what is best for any hamsters that come to live with me.)

[LunaTheHamster1]

I am new to the Robo world, only had Srians previously.

I recently started this thread about food for Robos.

Food for Robos

Although it appears that a lot of people will give Harry Hamster to their Robos, it's probably not the best type of food for them.

I am currently feeding my foster Robo the bunny dreams dwarf food mix from Zooplus, other than that there is Rodipet that has specific food for Robos or Getzoo. I appreciate it may seem expensive for 1 bag of food, but it will last several months.

I think which ever one you get, you need to supplement with things like mealworms.

As for the onslaught, I hope no one does that. You are just asking a question and learning.
I think with something like a cage split, I personally wouldn't risk it, i would be too worried that what ever was used as a divider got breached and the hamsters ended up together.

I don't know the measurements of a detolf so not sure how big each side would be if you split it in two. I just did a quick google and depending on internal or external measurement the detolf seems to be 744-896 sq inches, (someone else may have more accurate measurement.

So if those figures are true, splitting the detolf into two is only going to give you two very small. enclosures. (I always thought the detolf was bigger than this) So, personally I wouldn't do it.