Many people who have just started raising hamsters often have questions in their minds: “How many hamsters should I raise? And if I only raise one, will it feel lonely?” So, I decided to buy several of them and keep them together in one cage, thinking it would make them have more friends and be happier. But in reality, this is a misunderstanding that could have serious consequences for their health and life.
Why is it forbidden to keep hamsters together?
1. Natural behavior of hamsters
Hamsters are unlike guinea pigs or some rodents in that they are naturally territorial and solitary animals.
- Each needs its own space to eat, walk, run and sleep.
- Forced cohabitation often leads to stress and conflict.
2. Risks that may occur if hamsters are raised together
Keeping hamsters together in the same cage can lead to major problems such as:
- Hamsters bite each other, causing injury or sometimes even death.
- Compete for food and water, causing some to become weak or malnourished.
- Accumulated stress → affects the immune system, making children more susceptible to illness.
So are there any exceptions?
- Syrian hamster Or Syrian (Syrian Hamster) ➝ Must be raised alone 100%
- Dwarf hamsters such as RoboRovsky , Campbell ➝ Sometimes they can be kept together, but there is still a high risk. You have to monitor them all the time. But for safety, it is recommended to keep 1 cage: 1 animal, which is best.
Why do hamsters in hamster shops keep them together?
Because the hamsters sold before we bought them were still baby hamsters that were less than 1 month old, and hamsters will start to show territorial behavior after they are over 1 month old.
How to raise a hamster to be happy even when living alone
Don't worry about your hamster being lonely, as hamsters are not naturally social animals. However, owners can help make their hamsters happy by:
- Choose a cage that is wide enough and has plenty of hiding places and climbing areas.
- Arrange toys such as running wheels, pipes, and small houses.
- Hide small food items for your little one to find on his own → Stimulate natural instincts
- Provide regular playtime and interaction with the owner.
Keeping one hamster per cage does not mean separating him from his friends.
But it is about providing a safe space that is truly in line with his nature.
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