Since hamsters are comparatively small, they’re easily cared for in pairs.
They’re also very active, and they often behave differently from one another. Some will become aggressive and behave violently if they are lonely.
It’s essential to keep your hamster entertained all the time. So, are hamsters better in pairs?
Hamsters are usually sold in pairs so that lonely hamsters don’t become anxious and depressed. In lonely situations, hamsters can become stressed and develop health problems.
However, solitary hamsters can also be fine. In fact, solitary hamsters tend to be healthier than cage-mates.
This evidence has lead some experts to question the usefulness of giving hamsters in pairs.
Some breeders have even started to sell their hamsters as singles, arguing that solitary hamsters are happier and healthier.
However, the jury is still out on the matter. Scientists are conducting more research to determine if hamsters do better in pairs or alone.
Are Hamsters Better In Pairs?
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Many people believe that hamsters do better in pairs than alone, but this isn’t true.
Hamsters may be social animals, but they can handle life on their own just fine. In fact, research shows that hamsters are happier alone than in pairs.
Hamsters in solitary cages generally demonstrate higher levels of activity and exploration than those in pairs or groups.
In addition, hamsters in solitary conditions have longer lifespans than those in groups or pairs, and they experience fewer behavioral problems.
Hamsters are naturally solitary, and research shows that they’re happier alone than in pairs.
Should Hamsters Live Alone Or Be Kept In Pairs?
Hamsters are cute, easy to take care of, and interesting to watch.
However, they also have some downsides. Hamsters living in pairs are healthier and live longer than those kept alone.
Hamsters kept alone are more likely to die than hamsters in a pair. Hamsters kept in pairs are also more likely to stay healthy and reproduce, as they help each other guard the territory and look out for danger.
Hamsters kept alone are also more likely to die of dehydration and starvation if they become ill. Therefore, it’s healthier to keep hamsters in pairs.
Why Do Hamsters Like to Live Alone?
Hamsters Protect Their Territory
Hamsters are quite territorial, and they might fight to defend their territory from intruders.
If you allow your male and female to be together, they will most likely start fighting over the territory and will frequently end up injured or even dead.
If you want to keep your male and female hamster happy, it’s best to keep them in separate cages.
When you put two hamsters in cages next to each other, they will often stay separated most of the time.
These conflicts may even occur between the male and female in the pair; the males may fight each other if they feel threatened.
Keeping the male and female apart will help eliminate these fights and prevent injuries and death in your pair.
Hamsters Do Not Feel Alone
Hamsters are used to living alone and dislike the company of other creatures in their environment.
When you keep more than one hamster together, they will often feel abandoned and may even stop eating and die as a result.
When there is no one else around, a hamster may feel that there’s nothing left to eat; this may lead to starvation and death if the animal isn’t given food and water regularly.
Lonely animals may also develop other health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even stress-related illnesses such as ulcers or diarrhea.
What Happens When Two Hamsters Are Kept In The Same Cage?
The purpose of a cage for hamsters is to keep hamsters safe.
However, when hamsters are kept in the same cage, they can fight. Fights between hamsters aren’t uncommon, but they can be dangerous.
If hamsters fight for too long, they’ll start attacking each others’ eyes, ears, and tails. Ultimately, this can lead to death.
Hamsters also fight when they’re not in a cage. If two hamsters are placed into a small space together without enough space or shelter, they can fight.
But hamsters usually don’t fight if they’re put in separate cages. If hamsters are put into separate cages, they should get along fine.
What To Do If You Want To Keep Two Hamsters Together In The Same Cage?
If you want to keep two hamsters together in the same cage, there are a few things you can do.
First, ensure you select two hamsters of the same gender. Hamsters have a tendency to fight if they aren’t of the same gender or the same litter.
Second, keep one hamster in a “hamster wheel” and the other hamster in a hamster ball. This will keep the hamsters from fighting because they’re both exercising at the same time.
Third, give the hamsters different toys to play with. Hamsters like to play and will fight if they’re bored.
Finally, restrict their living space to a small area of the cage. Hamsters will constantly fight if they have access to the entire cage.
If you keep these few rules in mind, you should be able to keep two hamsters together in the same cage without problems.
Is It Better To Have 2 Males Or 2 Females Living Together As Pairs?
Some people prefer living with multiple animals as pairs or males only, while others prefer having multiple animals as females only or pairs.
However, a study has shown that mixed gender pairs tend to have better survival rates than either males or females alone.
This could explain why mixed gender pairs are more commonly found in zoos and animal shelters.
Furthermore, mixed pairs might be better at raising their young than males or females alone because they can divide duties more evenly.
Similarly, pairs might be better at protecting each other from predators because each animal can watch out for the other.
Still, living with a male and female pair isn’t for everyone.
People who want to breed animals should obviously have male animals only, and the people who own female animals should probably keep them as pairs or with males only.
Overall, it’s better to have two males or females living together as pairs rather than males or females alone.
Should You Spay or Neuter Your Hamster?
Hamsters are adorable little animals that are great pets.
However, they have one annoying trait: breeding habits. Hamsters are always looking for ways to reproduce.
This can wreak havoc on their owners’ lives, as they often produce hundreds of babies each year. Furthermore, female hamsters can become pregnant again just 24 hours after giving birth to their babies.
This can create a never-ending cycle of reproduction. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent the endless cycle of reproduction: neutering or spaying your hamster.
Neutering your hamster will prevent him from breeding, and it can also help control his aggressive behavior. On the other hand, spaying your hamster will prevent him from ever getting pregnant.
This can prevent many unwanted pregnancies and litters. Overall, neutering or spaying your hamster is a great idea if you’re tired of dealing with hundreds of babies every year.
Also Read: Can Hamsters Eat Oranges?
Final Words
Hamsters are an excellent choice for someone who wants a pet that doesn’t require too much attention but can still provide hours of entertainment.
These little guys are playful and entertaining to watch as they run around their cages and play in their balls.
And they’re great pets because they don’t require much care at all! Just make sure you know how to properly care for them before you bring one home.
If you have allergies or cannot afford the upkeep of a hamster, try another pet like a fish, bird, or even a cat.
They do, however, need care and attention, so make sure to do your research first before you pick one up.
If you decide that having many hamsters is what you want and need, consider getting a larger cage for them to play.
If you are new to hamster ownership, read these 10 tips for taking care of your furry little friend.
Adding a pet hamster to your house with young children may seem like a good idea at first – after all, they’re cute and cuddly.
