Can hamsters be kept in cages? Things to note when hamsters are caged

Are you envious when you see other people’s hamsters in pairs? Want to find a companion for your hamster? Don’t rush yet! Caging hamsters is one of the most controversial topics in the rat industry, and it may be a painful lesson. Today we will talk about whether hamsters can be caged together, and what to pay attention to when closing the cage.

Can hamsters be kept in cages?

Let’s get straight to the conclusion: it is not recommended for most hamsters to be caged together. Hamsters are solitary animals and are extremely territorial. Especially for golden bears, there is almost a 100% chance that they will get injured in fights when caged together.

Among the dwarf hamsters, third-line and first-line hamsters occasionally live in groups in the wild, but the risk of co-caging at home is still high. Only male and female hamsters have a certain chance of success if they grow up together.

The consequences of failure to close the cage are serious: ranging from injuries and bleeding to one biting the other to death. Don’t take chances, hamsters fight often in a split second.

Why can’t hamsters stay in cages?

Territorial awareness

Hamsters are solitary animals and have a strong sense of territory. Two hamsters in the same cage will compete for territory and will fight even if the space is large enough.

Competition for resources

Resources such as food, water, and running wheels are limited, and two hamsters will compete for them. Even placing double supplies can cause conflicts.

Pressure and stress

Even if they are not fighting, two hamsters in the same cage will be in a constant state of stress. Long-term stress can lead to decreased immunity, loss of appetite, and shortened lifespan. You think they are good friends, but in fact they spend every day in tension.

Under what circumstances can cage closing be attempted?

If you really want to try cage closing, the success rate is relatively high in the following situations:

First, brothers and sisters in the same litter grew up together and have never been separated. Second, choose a male hamster, which has the highest success rate in cage closing. Third, the cage must be large enough, at least 80×50 cm. Fourth, prepare double portions of all supplies: two food bowls, two kettles, two nests, and two running wheels.

But even if all the above conditions are met, cage closing is not guaranteed to be successful. Hamsters have very different personalities and may fall out at any time.

Notes on cage closing

Introduction to neutral environment

If you want to introduce two hamsters to each other, don’t put one directly into the other’s cage. Expose them in a new, neutral environment, such as a sand bath, and observe their reactions.

Observe signs of fighting

There are warning signs before a hamster fights: chasing, belly-turning, screaming, and standing in a standstill. Once these signs appear, separate immediately. If the fight has already caused bleeding from the bite, the separation must be permanent and do not try again.

Ready to separate cages at any time

A spare cage must be prepared during cage closing, and the cages should be separated immediately if signs of fighting are found. Don’t take chances and think “they will adapt”. Hamster fights often happen in a split second, and something may happen if you are not there.

Key observations at night

Hamsters are nocturnal animals and are most active at night, and fights often occur at night. In the early days of cage closing, it is recommended to get up several times at night to observe, or install a monitor to check at any time.

Living alone is the safest choice

In the final analysis, living alone is the safest and most natural way to raise a hamster. A hamster occupies a cage alone, so there is no need to fight or be nervous. It can eat well and sleep well, and on the contrary, it will be healthier and live longer.

If you feel that a hamster is too lonely, spending more time interacting, handling, and playing with it is much more useful than finding a roommate. Hamsters need your company, not the company of their own kind.

Related reading

• Hamster Breeds
• Hamster biting
• Hamster lifespan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will hamsters fight when they are in a cage?

Golden bears will almost 100% fight when caged together, and the success rate of dwarf hamsters when caged is also very low. Even if they grow up together, they may suddenly fall out.

What happens to a lonely hamster?

Hamsters are solitary animals and will not be lonely. The stress caused by co-caging will shorten lifespan. Living alone is in line with the nature of hamsters.

Safety always comes first when raising hamsters. Don’t let your hamster risk your imagination. If you want to know more about hamster raising, please follow Hamster Nest and become a responsible rat owner!