Introducing new hamsters? - Page 2

galaxymouse · 03-02-2012, 11:19 AM

I had 3 hybrids and ended up with just one as the other two died from the cats but they were together for a good long while with no fighting or anything. They didn't even pat each others paws in play fisticuffs but Snowy was about 2 when she died. She was a VERY intelligent lil hammie always going straight for behind the bookshelf anf waiting for me to bring her out again. I NEVER tried introducing another hamster because she was happy as she was. If it was possible I would get my Snow Queen a friend but that would purely be for selfish reasons so it isn't going to happen because I love my irascable hamster.
If you decide to do it your way then that is your choice but remember you asked the question and you got the answer whether you like that answer or not.

PICKLES09 · 03-02-2012, 11:49 AM

I know nothing about Hybrid Hamster's or introducing Hamster's together, I have Syrian Hamster's... I am quite upset by this post, and would ask you to be careful what you say, as we all love our hammies and would do anything for them... You cannot pick and choose how your Hamster's should live for your own personal preference, it's their well being that matters first and foremost...

Onion · 03-02-2012, 12:07 PM

Perhaps it would have been better if you had phrased things a little differently, asked for help and not said you wanted hamsters "for" a pair. To be honest, when Winter and Autumn came to me I was thrilled to have a pair but they didn't get on from the start. I split them up and they were much much happier alone than together, and because I cared about them I never tried to introduce a new one to either of them.

When Autumn died I cried for hours, and I had only owned her for a short time. Would you not be sad to see them go if you gave them away?

**kyrilliondaemon** · 03-02-2012, 12:18 PM

Onion - Unfortunately if you read the post you'll see that one passed away and the concern seems to have been buying another. The pair were also bought the day another hamster passed.

Sadly I do feel this person feels differently about hamsters to most of us on the forum, and can only hope the pair stay together.

*sends hugs to everyone who's been upset by this thread and the ideas in it*

Onion · 03-02-2012, 12:23 PM

I saw that, I was just hoping they hadn't thought about it in the way we do, and we could maybe make them see. Always try to see the best in people eh

**kyrilliondaemon** · 03-02-2012, 12:28 PM

lol makes sense

I'll be optimistic and hope you're right

jess_jolie · 03-02-2012, 12:29 PM

As said above I really feel that you should put the needs of your hamster before yourself wanting a 'pair'.

My robo boy didn't get on with his cage mate and was bullied before being re-homed with me as his first owner didn't want him because he shy and she didn't want the fuss of caring for two hamsters separately. The poor guy is still suffering the scars from his first home and it makes me very proud to see how he is coming along with me. He isn't my ideal robo but he's mine and I adore him, it makes me happy to see him settling down and looking happier.

Sometimes I wonder about getting him a friend as I worry about his lack of human contact time - he is still nervous about being picked up and though we hand feed/occasionally have cuddles I worry about the lack of companionship. Especially as my Syrian sits and watches TV with me of a night-time. He'll be watching RENT with us tonight actually

But I wouldn't because I wouldn't like to put him through the stress of that - sure it would be cute to have a robo pair but that would be for me and I wouldn't do anything that would upset him now he's finding his feet with us. I put his needs before how much I'd like to watch a robo pair play/cuddle together.

Rocky has a resp problem, Lightning is still nervous and Apollo's diet needs to be carefully controlled as he's a hybrid. They all have little problems but I adore them all and could only bear to part with them to a new home if I couldn't give them the level of care they needed. I wouldn't get rid of Apollo if he became diabetic - like Onion above I'd do everything I could to help him and if Lightning is never completely confident with us I would never replace him - Sam is a perfect example of a owner who've put the time and effort into helping theirs hams.

And though it sounds harsh, I think it's awful that you'd simply get rid of a creature that YOU bought and whose life and care is YOUR responsibility because they aren't exactly what you want.

Sorry of this is coming across harsh - I should really be more optimistic and hopefully Onion you're right

Mona's Humans · 03-02-2012, 01:54 PM

I'm just here to say that hamsters aren't a fashion accessory... My guinea pigs don't like to be cuddled - they love crawling on me, but hate hugs... sure i wish they did, but they don't - i'm not just going to give them away because they don't do as they are told though, nor am i going to pick them up daily and force cuddles upon them, to make them miserable. I'd rather have 3 happy piggies that did what they want than 3 miserable piggies that did what i want.

Would you like to be tied to another person that you didn't get on with for your whole life, never getting a moments peace just because i dont know, society believes marriage strengthens the community?

I hope for the hamsters sake that you have just explained this all wrong, but please Mai just lost her cage mate, and is likely highly stressed right now, let her settle before you try anything else.

If its a pair of animals your set on, get highly sociable animals instead, but be prepared for even them to fall out, the amount of times i have to separate and reintroduce my piggies is crazy because they are all hormonal at the moment. The bottom line is we are not god, we shouldn't force animals to do what we want, all we should and can do is provide them with everything possible to enrich their lives, treat them when ill, respond to THEIR needs and love them quirks and all.

That is all