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We have a one year old female american shorthair
Sent to Pet Experts August 17 02:17 PM

We have a one year old female golden syrian shorthair hamster (very gentle) and we just bought a approximately one month old male dwarf hamster. Will they co-exist or do they need to be seperated at all times?

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on August 17 2006 at 4:36 PM

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
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August 18 2:30 PM (1 day later)
         
Relist: No answer yet.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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August 18 4:49 PM (2 hours and 19 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hello and thanks for researching this very important question!

These two animals are indeed separate species...they come from very different parts of the world.

Trying to put them in the same enclosure, or in any social setting, would be very dangerous for them both. This would be something like trying to introduce a field mouse and a mole. Although they have similarities that place them in the same animal "family", they do not recognize each other as the Same.

Here are a number of reliable links where you can get more information about various hamster species:

http://www.sunseed.com/artccat46MYIS73.html



http://www.hagen.com/usa/small/info_sheet.cfm?CAT=61&INFO=36

http://www.hamsterific.com

http://members.shaw.ca/petitepaws/chdwf.html

If you need additional support at this time, please click "Reply".



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Gen B. -- Retired Veterinary Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 322 Pet Accepts
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August 18 7:36 PM (2 hours and 46 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gen B.'s Post: So, if the two were put on the floor at the same time, the likelihood of a fight would be high? We would never put them in an enclosure together. We just want to know if they can be out of their cages at the same time.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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August 18 7:39 PM (3 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

I would not let these two individuals interact, or have the opportunity to do so.

Different species would certainly fight...these can be violent and life-threatening fights.

(Individuals from the same species that do not live together from a young age would fight as well.)



Your concern has touched me--if you have follow-up questions, or need to clarify your case, please let me know right away! Your "Accept" helps me reach out to others!
Picture
Gen B. -- Retired Veterinary Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 322 Pet Accepts
Dog, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Gerbil breeder / Reptile Keeper / Bunny-Ferret-Exotic Specialist
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