cts

Greetings all.

I have a question for those of you that have multiple hamsters...I am
looking for guidance related to bringing another hamster into our
home. Some of you have so many hams that I hope this question isn't
too silly...
Bert has been "king of the hill" for 15 months now. The new hamster
in question ("Cubby") is a female Syrian about a year old. She is in
need of a home and is so sweet. Bert & Cubby certainly would NEVER be
housed together and I would not entertain the idea of mating them.
Ever. Trust me. I do wonder if Bert might be unsettled by the
arrival of another hammy? Particularly a female. Since he "owns" us,
I want to be sure he doesn't feel displaced. I also want to know if
having her around (but VERY unavailable) might cause stress if not
managed properly? For example, when they run around in balls, should
each have an established territory or can they bomb around together?

As always, your insights are appreciated.

Thanks,

Joann & Bert

pieman

I wouldn`t let them run in balls at the same time. That might cause some
stress. I would also geta ball for each of them. Using the same ball could
be very stressful or even spread
sickness however remote the possibility. Otherwise bringing Cubby home
should present no problems

--
The definition of a TERRORIST is:
"The systematic use of violence to create a climate of fear
in a population and thereby to bring about a particular
political objective." Sounds to me like you fit that
description well, Mr. Bush

lorna

Hi Joann

When I had Basil I didn't notice a change in Bam (my female Syrian) at all.
Now, the situation was a bit reversed here, in that Bam was the established
spoilt girl. Once or twice I let them run in their (seperate) balls
together, and Basil would follow Bam around like a spoilt puppy! Bam
couldn't have cared less, and didn't even acknowledge his existence, not
even a sniff but Basil, on the other hand, if Bam was in her ball and rolled
in the general direction of Basil's cage, he would be on the bars like a
shot.

I think it's important not to house them in the same room (as in same room,
different cages) for around a week, as this is about how long it would take
symptoms of illnesses to appear. I'm not sure what would happen if the
male/female situation was reversed.

Lorna, Bam, Bracken and Bonnie.

mihosweeti

Cubby sure would be a lucky girl if she got to come home with you Quarantine
here is 2 weeks to make sure that nobody has anything contagious.

It's a bit hard to say as to how Bert would react as I don't have any resident
male Syrians here. I would definitely get them separate balls, and if you are
going to eventually house them in the same room, perhaps as far apart as
possible so that neither gets too stressed?

All of my hams here seem to ignore eachother, but I have mostly dwarves right
now


christine miho
http://community.webshots.com/user/miho176
http://community.webshots.com/user/hamsterhaven