For the people who didn’t know, when you buy a new dwarf hamster and want to introduce it to those that you already have, it is not as simple as just putting the new hamster into it’s new home. Work has to be done to ensure that this newcomer is accepted and welcomed by the rest of the hamsters you already have. Thus I wrote this article, to share with you some steps and measures to take in order to prevent harm towards your new hamster. I mentioned dwarf hamsters because I’m not too sure about how to introduce the other breeds of hamsters. This is the method I’ve used for my own dwarfs.
1. The setup of the cage
(a) Essential steps have to be taken to setup the cage. You will need to get a separator of some sort (I’ve got a BBQ wire mesh) put it in between the new dwarf hamster and the existing ones that you have. This serves as a barrier to protect either sides of the cage. What I did was to stick tape across the mesh so that my hamsters can’t get over to the other side. I have a picture of this. Do leave me a note and your email address at my blog for me to send you a picture of how I did it.
(b) Because dwarf hamsters are territorial, they mark out their territory by this gland at the bottom of their belly. Therefore we have to make sure that the new dwarf hamster gets a fresh set of bedding to prevent it from feeling threatened with the scent of the other hamsters.
(c) Once done, you can put your hamster into the cage and make sure all the necessities like water, wheel, food etc. are readily available.
2. The getting used-to period
(a) The hamsters will be very curious to see who is on the other side of the cage. Mine tried to bite the the mesh and the good thing about BBQ mesh is that they can’t bite through it.
(b) If you hear squeaking sound made by the hamsters. Do not panic. They are just unfamiliar with each other and will stop after awhile. (Mine stopped after a week)
3. The follow up
(a) The job’s not done yet! For them to get used to each other we do it the passive way first. Every 2-3 days, swap their places. Meaning if hamster A is on the left now, bring it over to hamster B’s side and bring hamster B to hamster A’s side. This is for them to get used to the smell of the other hamster.
(b) When you do that, make sure that each hamster has enough food to eat. Best time to swap places is before meal time. This way, the hamsters will definitely not go hungry.
(c) After a week you noticed your hamsters stopped squeaking at each other, introduce them to each other. (ie. Taking the barrier away) Pay close attention to them as they might not be ready for each other. If they start scuffling, use your hand to separate them. This is a sign that they’re not ready to live with each other. Put the barrier in between them again and continue the swapping places for 3 more cycles.
(d) Hopefully by then, they will be able to live together harmoniously. If after 2 to 3 tries, your hamsters are still scuffling non stop, then my suggestion is that it is best not to let them live together.
Hopefully these 3 simple tips will be helpful to you in introducing your dwarf hamsters to each other.
Martin Sim is 23 years old and is the co-creater of http://RotastakHamsterCage.blogspot.com He is a proud owner of 8 roborovski hamsters, Hamsti, Hamoinee and their creations.
Get your very own Rotastak Hamster Cage or other pet supplies from http://RotastakHamsterCage.blogspot.com
Image by pequeniocraft
Tags: Cage, Hamsters, Tips, SimpleRelated posts: