2 female hamsters in the house

dunc · 02-02-2015, 06:22 AM

Hi there, we had 1 syrian female but went out and got another female 12 months later. They're kept in different rooms but both know about the presence of each other, I think it's via the clothes as we wash hands inbetween. It seems to make them very cautious.
Here is the question, would it be better to visibly let them know that there's another about or have a jumper dedicated to each hamster? If we were to let them visibly know of each other I'd imagine the best way would be to hold their balls close to each other and see how it goes.
If it went reasonably well would they mind running around (in their balls) at the same time or would that be something to avoid?

Would appreciate the help of anybody whose been in the same or a similar situation.

cheers

Dunc

BrainGirl · 02-02-2015, 06:33 AM

It's ok to have 2 Syrian hamsters in the same house but since their eyesight is bad the smell is all they really need to know there's another hamster in their territory. They'll soon get used to the presence of another and there's no need for them to meet, even with a ball in between.

I have heard of people letting multiple hamsters out in their balls at the same time but since those balls aren't escape-proof it's best to put some tape on the lids to be sure there aren't any accidental meetings.

dunc · 02-02-2015, 06:59 AM

Thanks, pleasing to know they should get used to the other's presence. They're not often out and about at the same time as Ham, the first of the two, seems to get up during the day and sleep all night whilst Pickle gets up in the evening.

BrainGirl · 02-02-2015, 07:33 AM

Sounds like my two females

Suri's up late at night and Seren's up in the morning. Maybe they've adapted to this schedule because they can tell by smell who's up when and they "plan" things so that they're less likely to run into neighbours?

dunc · 02-02-2015, 07:45 AM

Ham got this habit quite a while back. Unfortunately she won't go on her wheel but still wants a run about. I work from home and can let her run around for as long as she likes during the day. I'm guessing Ham just prefers to go out jogging/running for her excercise rather than on the treadmill!

dunc · 02-02-2015, 07:51 AM

Forgot to ask you braingirl, how long have you had your 2 females? As I'm typing I can hear Ham rumbling around in her house deciding which nut to eat!

BrainGirl · 02-02-2015, 08:25 AM

I've had them both almost a year, I think? They aren't the only females that I've had in the house either but some of them passed away.

What size is Ham's wheel? Maybe she's not using it because it's difficult for her to fit or perhaps the spindle doesn't turn easily enough. It's also possible that she's using it when you're sound asleep and just aren't aware of it

dunc · 02-02-2015, 08:45 AM

I've tried her on several wheels now, firstly with the average type of wheel, then one that was a bit longer and deeper and finally the larger trixie wheel. She showed a bit of interest at first but soon gave up on it. We videoed her during the night to see if she'd used it then. Ham didn't show the slightest attention. Was intersted in arranging nuts, grooming, along with a few other things. Always sad when hamsters pass away.

dunc · 02-02-2015, 08:57 AM

When younger and Ham had a rotastak she would frequently use the wheel in there but I never really liked the many roomed rotastak (as I like to see hamsters climbing on bars) and bought a large indoor rabbit cage, put mesh around to prevent escape and allow climbing. Ham certainly seems to prefer it. More space, more to do and consequently the wheel became last on the list of Ham's interests.

BrainGirl · 02-02-2015, 09:32 AM

Just not her thing then I guess