Reasons Why Hamsters Fight: Understanding Their Behavio
1. Estrous Period: During the estrous period, male hamsters tend to exhibit mating behavior almost daily, which differs from the female's regular cycle. This can lead to aggressive mating attempts by the male, potentially causing friction with the female and resulting in a fight. If the conflict escalates to a violent level, it's best to temporarily separate the hamsters to prevent injuries or even fatalities.
2. Pregnancy: It's advisable to separate the male and female hamsters immediately after the female becomes pregnant. This is to prevent conflicts, as the pregnant female's temperament can become more volatile and sensitive. Remaining together may lead to the female bullying the male, and fights can ensue.
3. SameSex Hamsters: Keeping two samesex hamsters in the same cage can often lead to fighting, as it goes against their natural behavior. This competition for territory can result in aggressive encounters, and the fights can be particularly fierce if both are male hamsters.
4. Hunger: In a cage with multiple hamsters, insufficient food can lead to undernourishment or foodfighting scenarios, which can provoke altercations. Hamsters have a strong sense of survival, which is why they store food in their cheek pouches. If food is scarce, even the most harmonious relationships can turn sour during feeding times.
5. Disability or Illness: A disabled or sick hamster in the same cage may become a target for bullying, leading to fights. In such cases, the vulnerable hamster might suffer fatal injuries.
To prevent fighting among hamsters, the best practice is to keep them in separate cages, which aligns more closely with their natural behavior. For those interested in learning more about hamster habits, consider reading "An Introduction to Hamster Behavior."
