Should Hamsters Be Caged Together? The Ultimate Guide

1. In the wild, hamsters often live in groups, such as the wild Campbell's and Djungarian hamsters, which are both social animals with a natural inclination towards living in communities. However, it's important to note that for these hamsters to cohabitate, they must be purebred. If the breed is not pure, their social nature may diminish. Moreover, even hamsters with a social disposition can only peacefully coexist with members of their own species.

2. Many hamsters available in pet stores are hybrid breeds, which can carry genetic defects and are prone to health issues. Hybrids can disrupt the natural social behaviors of hamsters, weakening their community bonds and social instincts. This means that even when first or thirdline hamsters are housed together, conflicts may arise.

3. Syrian hamsters are solitary creatures in the wild, lacking any social tendencies or needs. Therefore, whether they are purebred or hybrids, Syrian hamsters should never be housed together, as this can lead to fights and even aggressive attacks.

4. If an owner insists on housing hamsters together, certain conditions must be met to ensure harmony. These conditions include the hamsters being from the same litter, the same breed, and the same gender. This approach can help to foster a peaceful coexistence. It's also important to consider that housing different genders together for an extended period may result in a litter of hamsters, which is a factor to consider when keeping hamsters in close quarters.

5. When introducing hamsters to a shared space, it's crucial to provide a larger cage to prevent overcrowding, which can exacerbate territorial instincts and increase the likelihood of fights. The number of exercise wheels should also be adjusted according to the number of hamsters, ensuring each has access to prevent competition and conflict.

It's generally best to avoid housing hamsters together, as separate enclosures can prevent numerous issues, such as fighting, inbreeding, and food competition, ultimately ensuring the hamsters' safety and wellbeing. For those interested in learning more about hamster cohabitation, there are other informative articles available on the website.