Why Do Robo Hamsters Fight?

Although cute, Roborovski hamsters are not known to be the friendliest hamster type. These adorable furballs can easily get into fights with other hamsters. But why exactly do Robo hamsters fight?

Robo hamsters fight because of dominance reasons. While Robo hamsters can live in harmony with others of the same sex, they can easily get into fights when provoked. Owners will need to watch for injuries and separate the hamsters when it is clear that things will not cool down.

This article will discuss in detail why Robo hamsters fight. It will also explain why Russian dwarf, Syrian, and teddy bear hamsters fight. Let’s get started!

Why Do Roborovski Hamsters Fight?

Robo hamsters can get along in pairs or trios, but they must be of the same sex. The female of the species is naturally more dominant and might attack the male. In extreme cases, a female Robo hamster can kill its male counterpart. However, fights can still occur despite careful pairings of same-sex Robo hamsters.

Roborovski hamsters fight for dominance reasons. While Robo hamsters can comfortably get along as cagemates, issues can arise if they begin to fight for superiority. Superiority battles can lead to severe injuries and, in extreme cases, the death of the weaker hamster.

You’ll need to observe how your Robo hamsters interact when they’re most active. This means keeping an eye on them at night as they’re a nocturnal species.

It may be hard to determine whether your Robo hamsters are play-fighting or being hostile to one another as they make similar-sounding squeaking noises. To be on the safe side, you should watch out for overly aggressive behavior from one or both the hamsters.

You should also choose the most even-tempered Robos when bringing one or a couple home. It’s best if they come from the same litter as they’ll already be acclimated to fellow littermates. Choosing strangers means they’ll need time to adjust to one another and the new environment, increasing the chances of hostility.

Males and females can be paired together long enough for mating to occur if you intend to breed them. However, the male needs to be removed as soon as possible, especially once the babies are born, as the female will be immediately fertile again.

Why Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Fight?

Russian dwarf hamsters are the social butterflies of hamsters. They can easily live in multiples with either sex without any problems. However, like with other hamsters, some issues can lead to fights.

When Russian dwarf hamsters fight, it is usually disputes over territory or food. Signs pointing toward dominance issues include one hamster hoarding the food bowl or guarding access to the toys. Ultimately, this behavior can cause fights that can lead to severe injury.

Russian dwarf hamsters are known to play fight to expend energy with other cagemates. As such, you must watch this play, paying close attention to the reactions to ensure it doesn’t evolve into a fight.

When squeaks become louder and unusual, chances are the game has escalated into a fight. Pay attention to any signs of injuries, such as wounds and bleeding.

You’ll know that a dominance-related fight is brewing when one of the hamsters hoards the food bowl or when both prefer to sleep separately. By sleeping in separate sections, the hamsters have chosen their sides in the territory and will eventually fight it out, often to the death.

A standard solution is to provide two of everything within the cage, including bowls, water bottles, and hamster wheels. If this does not work, be prepared to separate them into different cages to prevent serious injury.

Why Do Syrian Hamsters Fight?

Syrian hamsters fight because they are solitary creatures that don’t like living with each other. Once they reach maturity between 8 and 12 weeks old, they become aggressive toward other hamsters. This behavior is due to their extreme territorial nature.

A 2001 study found that in the wild, Syrian hamsters choose to live on their own in burrows. Their territorial natures are so deep-seated that there was never more than one adult present in all the burrows studied.

When living in a home, the scent of another hamster can agitate and upset a Syrian hamster, even if placed in separate cages. So, it is best to own just one.

These hamsters are known for being highly aggressive with littermates. Additionally, while males and females meet for mating purposes, the females can become vicious immediately after, resulting in severe injury or even death.

Why Do Teddy Bear Hamsters Fight?

Teddy bear hamsters are the long-haired version of Syrian hamsters and, as such, do not do well with companions. It is advisable to isolate teddy bear hamsters by the time they’re eight weeks old. These hamsters are highly likely to get into fights regardless of the combination of sexes you place in the cage.

Teddy bear hamsters are highly territorial and will not do well in pairs or higher multiples once they reach maturity at eight weeks old. They will fight to the death if they perceive a threat, which could be another hamster encroaching on their territory.

How Do I Make My Hamsters Stop Fighting?

Syrian hamsters should never live in the same cage, including the teddy bear variety of the species. These antisocial species will almost certainly get into fights and are best kept separately. But for dwarf hamsters, you can take steps to stop and prevent fights.

To house two dwarf hamsters together, you will need two of everything to prevent territorial disputes. This will help prevent fights from occurring. Ensure the space is large enough to accommodate both hamsters. If a fight breaks out, you must separate the hamsters to prevent injury.

You will need to be careful when reaching in to separate them, as you may get bitten or scratched in the process. Wearing gloves is highly recommended when breaking a fight between two hamsters.

Once separated, you can allow the hamsters some time to cool down before reintroducing them. However, in most cases, they will not willingly cohabitate again.

If you do not separate your hamsters once a fight starts, one of the hamsters could become bullied and develop wet tail, experience serious injuries, and live a shorter life as a result of stress.

Is It OK for Hamsters To Fight?

Fighting is only OK for hamsters when it is not aggressive nipping and scratching. Play fighting is a way for these animals to release energy and interact with one another. You must stop the fighting and separate them if you notice signs of pain, such as increased squeaking or visible injuries.

It can be a challenge sometimes to determine if your hamsters are truly fighting or if they’re just engaging in light play. For this reason, keeping a close eye on their play behavior is crucial in preventing fights or stopping one before it becomes serious.

Conclusion

Robo hamsters fight for dominance over their cagemates. While they can, in most cases, live together comfortably, instances can arise where one feels it must forcibly assert its superiority over the other.

Syrian hamsters, including the teddy bear variety, are highly territorial and should never, under any circumstances, be housed together.

Russian dwarf hamsters may fight over food and territory but are known for being able to live together.