New hamsters

[HFBlade]

Hi I’m Rion and I’m new to the forum, I’m looking at 2 baby Russian dwarf hamsters but I’m not sure about everything I need. It’s been a while so all information helps. The main thing I need help with is the size of the cage.

Thanks everyone in advance.

 

[Maz]

Hello Really glad you're sorting everything out in advance. It's important for hamsters to have everything ready and set up first. Ok so first thing is, unless you are planning on having two hamsters in two separate cages, then only get one of them. Pet shops will say dwarf hamsters can live together in pairs but it is not a safe thing to do. They will almost certainly end up maiming or killing each other. Or you'll end up having to separate them anyway and need two separate cages then. It's not worth the risk. They will be hybrid russian dwarf hamsters from a pet shop and hybrids never live together in the wild because they don't exist in the wild!

If it's your first hamster as well, it's better to only have one anyway. Which country are you in please and we can suggest a suitable cage or enclosure

 

[HFBlade]

Hey so I looked into it prior to finding the forum, the babies are actually bonded already although I do understand where you’re coming from, as for cages I’m told that the Savic plaza 100 is a good option. I’m from the uk if this helps

 

[Maz]

I'm not sure who has told you they are bonded but it's misleading information. All baby hamsters are bonded to their siblings and their parents initially. They "unbond" very quickly when a) there is a change of environment b) they develop hormones at a few weeks old and their territorial instincts kick in and their normal adult desire for independence. I would strongly urge you to either only get one of them or house them separately. They do perfectly fine and don't need company (Blue Cross welfare charity says this). I've linked our article on why hamsters need to live alone below.

Cage wise - any 100cm cage or enclosure is fine. The Plaza is a bit on the tall side for a dwarf hamster, unless you have the bedding about 10" deep by means of bedding panels. The Grosvenor XL cage is also an option (linked below). That is not too tall and has scope for a deep bedding end - you could just put cardboard or grass mats inside the bars at one end and have deeper bedding there.

Grosvenor XL hamster cage 100cm x 54cm x 39cm tall

This is a researched and referenced article and Hamster Welfare website also states the same thing

Can hamsters live together?

Many people wonder if hamsters can live in pairs or groups. No hamsters should not live together. If you have more than one hamster, they each need their own separate cage and should never meet. We have a list of the best hamster cages on the...

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[HFBlade]

No worries thanks for the advice I really appreciate it, is there any other tips or tricks I should know

 

[Maz]

Well just so the cage has plenty of bedding - somewhere dark to hide like a nice big house (a shoebox house is fine) - they need something over their heads that's dark inside and enough bedding to burrow and dig in. Plenty of "cover" so the hamster doesnt' feel too exposed. Sprays help with that (eg millet, sorghum, flax etc). Other little hides in the cage (tissue boxes are fine or things like coconut huts). A shelf or platform helps as you can put heavier ceramic items on a shelf so they don't get tunneled under and fall on the hamster. Also hamsters like to sit under a shelf for a wash or climb up onto it for somewhere else to go. And a wheel - 9" to 10" is best if possible If the cage comes with an 8" wheel that is ok until the hamster is fully grown.

There's also our setting up on a budget article if that helps!

Hamster cage set up on a budget

How to set up a hamster cage or enclosure on a budget in 2025 and give your hamster a good home. Hint - cardboard is your friend. Our hamster site and forum will give friendly advice on everything you need for your hamster enclosure or cage...

www.thehamsterforum.com