Relatively new hamster mommy, looking for help.

[xbitexmyxlipx]

I was so happy to find this community! It's been a while since I had a hamster baby, so I'm starting to feel a little out of my element as far as caring for them goes.

Comments

[nevadamoon]

The cage is a crittertrail? Waaaay too small for 2 dwarves. You want to give about 10 gallons per hamster, probably want to go for at least a 20-long or a bin cage of similar size. (obviously, length and width is better then height, except for when it comes time to put the wheels in.)

It could be possible the fighting is due to cramped spaces, or it could be that they just don't want to get along. Generally, while dwarves can live together, they do sometimes fight. (even to the point of serious injury/death.) I'd keep them separate until you have more space for them to share, and then try introing them again. Good luck! They're adorable little guys.

Also, one looks like it could be a campbell's, and they're not technically the same as a winter white. They are similar, but not the same species. They can actually breed sometimes and make hybrid hamsters, but I think I read that every species of hamster 'speaks' a different language, so they could be having trouble with their social cues due to that, too. Not saying they might not ever get along, but something to keep in mind. :)

[dream_chaser023]

I would also add that once they are in a bigger space (equal to a 20 gal long) that you also provide each their own wheel, food dish, water bottle, and sleeping house. This will limit the amount of things they fight over.

Anyhow, to my understanding (could be wrong since I have never owned dwarfs) is that once they have lived in their own space for a time, that they can never be introduced to another. Thats what I have picked up from here and other forums. But I hope someone else can chime in with their experiences with dwarfs. :)

[xbitexmyxlipx]

I'm starting to think that maybe one of them squeaked that the other's mother was a prostitute and now they're at war and little Sam has a Napoleonic complex because he's smaller/younger. :P I try not to let them go a full day without a little (heavily monitored) interaction just because I don't want them to get bored, which is why I initially bought two.

Basically I needed a little insight into dwarf behavior. :P

[xbitexmyxlipx]

When I noticed they were fighting, I bought a new cage so they'd be separate. Many years ago, my aunt bought two sister hamsters and within a couple of days one had taken a big chunk out of the other and killed it (earning it the new name Hannibal the Cannibal), so that concern has been with me about getting two of any animal. Which actually is part of why I'm tempted to just make two cages rather than chance it.

I have no idea what breed they are, and if little Sam gets lighter in the winter, I guess I'll know for sure that Petsmart doesn't employ/get their animals from lying liars who lie. :P That's just what the tag said they both were and I was hoping someone could clue me into their behavior because it's been insanely hard to find anything online beyond "nocturnal" and "small." :P

[dream_chaser023]

Petsmart gets their animals from a mill (Rainbow Exotics if you want to look them up) and they care only about money and how to get more of it through animals. They frequently will send the stores Rats labeled as "Dumbo" when in fact thy are a "standard" eared rat.

To be honest, I work in a pet store also, and I would say 90% of the associates don't care and only look at the tag, they wouldn't know the atual difference between different types of similar animals, and if they know they don't know, most will not tell you that, but will lie in confidence of what they are telling you. (the very reason why i try to get ever small animal call when I am on the clock.

[nevadamoon]

Yeah, dwarves can be kind of funny sometimes. :/ They can get along fine for ages, and then snap. I've had solo dwarves and with human handling and lots of space/toys, they didn't seem bored or depressed. :)

These sites may help you:
http://www.hamsterhideout.com/breedsww.html
(Winter whites)

http://www.hamsterhideout.com/breedscampbellcolours.html
http://www.hamsterhideout.com/breedscampbell.html
Campbell's colors (At least some of them!)

Petsmart doesn' know what they have half the time. xD I've seen so many mislabeled. Generally, it's not a huge deal as long as they got the genders right.

Behavior-wise, I'm not sure what you mean! They're active little guys, and that can make them tricky to handle. I've had some ridiculously friendly ones who would hang out on your desk/hand/whatever, and were very sweet. Of course, I've also had some that were nippy or didn't like to be touched. They're fun to watch, not terribly difficult to care for, and can be pretty friendly and sweet as well.