Ummmm, not sure who's right??! - Page 2

racinghamster · 12-27-2013, 07:20 AM

The words `try` and `it may work` are not worth risking your hamsters health with. Hamsters in pairs who know each other already are difficult enough to keep together never mind trios or groups who don`t. If you read many of the threads on here under titles like, "my hamsters are fighting" or "my new hamsters are not getting along" are just a few of the warnings. All it takes is ONE nasty bite and you could have an abscess on your hands. That means an ill hamster and a hefty vet bill to drain and treat it. Do you still want to try this?

I don`t mean to be forward, but the risks are high. Anyone wanting to house dwarf hamsters together should only do so if the animals are already together as adults or grew up together as babies (siblings). Introducing two adult pairs who are already dominant/subordinate and may also be different sizes could prove fatal. Even breeding pairs can turn on one another when breeders attempt this and breeders probably take more risks than most.

If your hamsters are already IN pairs, they don`t need to be in a foursome. Everyone knows that trios alone can be volatile so most people avoid keeping three together even as babies because they realise as they grow, trouble can and usually does flare.

And remember too that attacks usually happen when the owner isn`t there, so doing so would almost certainly be a disaster. I hope this is enough to convince you to keep your hamsters as they are. Happy and settled.

**hamsterhelper** · 12-27-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

The words `try` and `it may work` are not worth risking your hamsters health with. Hamsters in pairs who know each other already are difficult enough to keep together never mind trios or groups who don`t. If you read many of the threads on here under titles like, "my hamsters are fighting" or "my new hamsters are not getting along" are just a few of the warnings. All it takes is ONE nasty bite and you could have an abscess on your hands. That means an ill hamster and a hefty vet bill to drain and treat it. Do you still want to try this?

I don`t mean to be forward, but the risks are high. Anyone wanting to house dwarf hamsters together should only do so if the animals are already together as adults or grew up together as babies (siblings). Introducing two adult pairs who are already dominant/subordinate and may also be different sizes could prove fatal. Even breeding pairs can turn on one another when breeders attempt this and breeders probably take more risks than most.

If your hamsters are already IN pairs, they don`t need to be in a foursome. Everyone knows that trios alone can be volatile so most people avoid keeping three together even as babies because they realise as they grow, trouble can and usually does flare.

And remember too that attacks usually happen when the owner isn`t there, so doing so would almost certainly be a disaster. I hope this is enough to convince you to keep your hamsters as they are. Happy and settled.

The more I think and read, my post was wrong. I was more referring to breeding pairs, as that's what I have experience with. x

Colby and the Dwarfs · 12-27-2013, 09:03 AM

Like I said before this pet store is NOT breeding hamsters, and I stand by that. They have boy& girl cages. I have never received a missexed animal from them. We don't have many pet stores here, and I know they don't set the line very high, the only one better then them is Petsmart, and I guess my "good" might be someone else's bad. I am hearing so many mixed things! I hear DO NOTs, you could trys, it might works, you shoulds, I don't know why to believe!

**SyrianMomma7** · 12-27-2013, 09:17 AM

Honestly, you aren't going to get a straight answer on this, because everyone has their own experiences with it.
If this is something you really want to try, then try it.
If you are too nervous to do it, don't do it! Listen to your instincts.
If you introduce the two pairs, and a fight emerges, you know it will not work.
If you introduce the two pairs, and the dominants cancel one another out, which has happened before, and they get along it could work.
You will never know if you don't try, and as other users have said, it all depends on YOUR set of hamsters.
So only you know what is truly best for them, you know their personalities and their needs better than any of us ever could.
Trust yourself, Colby.
x SM7

racinghamster · 12-27-2013, 10:04 AM

I can`t speak for everyone on this forum, but if you started a poll asking "should I put my two pairs of dwarf hamsters in the same cage" I`m a bit of a betting person and think like a bookie! So my odds would be that you would get more NO answers than YES answers. Well....at least from the members who see the dangers of this and not the whimsical light bulb notion that four adult dwarf hamsters will live together happily when they have lived in pairs too long.

The negatives are far higher here than the positives. It`s a no brainer. A positive outcome would be like a 50-1 outsider winning over an odd`s on favourite with proven form. It just won`t happen kid.

Colby and the Dwarfs · 12-27-2013, 03:36 PM

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to *try* to introduce Rebel & Phoenix. I know I'm going to get no straight answers, and I think this might work. I'll keep everyone posted.

**SyrianMomma7** · 12-27-2013, 03:39 PM

Good for you Colby. And if it doesn't work don't feel bad, at least you tried.
Just remember, baby steps are key.
Good luck!
x SM7

**hamsterhelper** · 12-27-2013, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

I can`t speak for everyone on this forum, but if you started a poll asking "should I put my two pairs of dwarf hamsters in the same cage" I`m a bit of a betting person and think like a bookie! So my odds would be that you would get more NO answers than YES answers. Well....at least from the members who see the dangers of this and not the whimsical light bulb notion that four adult dwarf hamsters will live together happily when they have lived in pairs too long.

The negatives are far higher here than the positives. It`s a no brainer. A positive outcome would be like a 50-1 outsider winning over an odd`s on favourite with proven form. It just won`t happen kid.

Oh I made a mistake, I thought he was trying to pair them in two's to breed. No I am highly against this, DO NOT DO IT, it will end in either fighting,injuries,death,illness,or something really bad for your hamsters.

Colby and the Dwarfs · 12-27-2013, 04:48 PM

Ok... Now I'm doubting again. I think I'm going to do it though , I know my hams, and I think I'm doing what's best. Thanks everyone!

souffle · 12-27-2013, 04:55 PM

I wouldn't do it. You are risking breaking up the pairs and may end up with 4 single cages to maintain. If a massive fight occurs there may be a bloodbath with severe injuries or worse

Remember it is NOT a natural situation for dwarfs to live in single sex groups. In the wild and in colonies you have groups of mixed sex and age animals who know there place and harmony ensues or some leave. Captive animals do not have this chance. You are lucky to have two pairs so I'd count my blessings and quit while I was ahead!