Male Hamsters are Mating?

erins_hamsters · 02-20-2019, 07:12 AM

Hi everyone, my 2 male Russian dwarf hamsters seem to be trying to mate, they were sitting in the sand bath last night taking turns doing it! Should I be concerned, and if so how do I stop it?

Pebbles82 · 02-20-2019, 10:50 AM

First question. Are you sure they are both male? Second question. Are you sure they were not mating and not starting to squabble and fight? If they were actually mating it may be that you have a male and a female. Could you post photos of their undersides? Either that or they were just feeling quirky! Sheep do that sometimes.

Hammyloui · 02-20-2019, 03:15 PM

Make sure that they're both male just in case they've been sexed wrong but could it be a possibility of fighting?

alpacassei · 02-20-2019, 03:31 PM

I’d double check that theyre both male but if they are both male then its most likely a dominance behaviour so I’d keep an eye on them incase they start fighting or become territorial. I’m sure gay hamsters exist but its best to rule out the possibilities of them fighting, etc

cypher · 02-20-2019, 11:43 PM

I think you said in another thread you'd had them 8 months? If that's the case it's unlikely they're not both males so this is probably just dominance behaviour, not uncommon, it could escalate into something more so keep a close eye on them for any signs that they are falling out or becoming stressed.

erins_hamsters · 02-21-2019, 12:31 AM

I’m 98% sure that they’re both male, because Ozzy (my more dominant hamster) had been doing it since the week after I got them and so far no hamster babies have appeared! I haven’t seen or heard them fighting, but I try to keep a tight eye on them. The only thing worrying me is that Gizmo has started it now too! Thank you for your replies everybody.

Pebbles82 · 02-21-2019, 01:58 AM

Cypher has it sussed there

Yes keep an eye on them. Is Gizmo big enough? If Ozzy is more dominant there can be subtle things going on like him getting all the food. Try putting two sand baths in - it's why pairs need two of everything. They may still share one but have the option of their own.

erins_hamsters · 02-22-2019, 02:00 AM

Strangely enough Gizmo is actually quite a bit larger than Ozzy (they are both within the recommended weight for male dwarf hamsters) I believe this is due to the fact that Ozzy is a lot more active than Gizmo (Ozzy is up for about 10 hours every night, whereas Gizmo is up for about 7). They have 2 of everything apart from the sand bath, but I will try and get them another one. Thank you for the help and advice everyone!