Dwarf Hamsters Fighting

Hamsters have won every pet lover's heart for proving to be endearing and very lovable pets. But most hamsters have been found to be notorious for being over aggressive and even resorting to physical struggle. The situation of them fighting with each other is a commonly exhibited feature of these creatures, and most of the fighting is harmless and may be simply for fun. Even though dwarf hamsters are not as aggressive as other hamster species, serious fighting can occur and there are several reasons behind the same.

Interaction between dwarf hamsters mostly includes squeaking and chasing one another, rolling around and enacting a fight while physically not harming one other. However, when a fight turns serious, it can be easily apprehended. It is very necessary to immediately mediate in such a fight, since the outcome of this 'fight' can vary from minor scratches to serious cuts or even death. There are a few causes of this situation and have corresponding solutions as discussed below.

Territorial Disputes
Hamsters are very territorial by nature, especially males. They closely guard and fiercely defend the territory they consider to be their own. Their territorial behavior surfaces when you introduce a new dwarf hamster into the enclosure. This is when a fight breaks out most often. Even when hamsters are introduced for breeding, they tend to think that there is an invasion, and they try to defend their territory.

The solution to this problem is quite simple. If you want to add a new hamster, introduce the new and the old one in a neutral territory. Just relocate the old one to an enclosure where it has not been living. It is not necessary to get a new cage, you just need to make an illusion that the cage has been changed. Hamsters usually scent mark their territory. Clean the old cage thoroughly so as to remove the scent left behind, and the hamster would fail to recognize his old dominion.

Another solution is 'divide and rule'. Just partition the old enclosure using a net or a mesh and let them not interact for some time. The two hamsters will avoid each other at first, but when curiosity takes over, you will see the hamsters sniffing and checking out each other near the partition. Once you feel they could be comfortable with each other, you can get rid of the partition. This, however, is not a risk-free solution as you cannot predict, if the hamsters can really get along with each other.

Overcrowding
Overcrowding is another common cause for dwarf hamster fighting. Even if they are called 'dwarfs', hamsters need their space and if they are stuffed up into a small space, the enclosure may get too cramped. This causes rise in tempers inside this small space. The only solution is to provide enough space to the hamsters and let them enjoy some privacy by making a hiding place or a burrow kind of shelter inside the cage. Chinese dwarf hamsters are considered very social, but overcrowding is considered to be a major cause of fighting between them.

Proper Pairing
Some hamsters exhibit a very anti-social behavior. They just don't tend to get along with others and in such cases you need to be careful before pairing them. Never pair two younger males, as they tend to have very acute territorial tendencies. Pairing females can be a good option as they are more tolerant, and female dwarf hamster fighting is observed only when they are nurturing offspring.

This concludes an account on the causes of fights between dwarf hamsters, and their solutions. Hope this helps keep violence amongst your lovely pets under control.