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Thomas Meyer — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
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How to Handle Get Hamsters to Stop Fighting Step by Step

When get hamsters to stop fighting leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Determine the species of your hamsters.

Determine the species of your hamsters.
Certain hamster species should be kept alone, in separate cages, and away from other species. Certain species can also only socialize if they are of the same gender. Take your hamster to the vet to confirm her species, or ask the pet store where you purchased your hamster about her species.
  • Hamsters of different species should not be kept together.
  • Some species may require a separate enclosure due to their natural behavior.
  • Confirming the species can help prevent future conflicts.
  • Certain hamster species should be kept alone, in separate cages, and away from other species.
  • Certain species can also only socialize if they are of the same gender.
2

Find out the gender of your hamsters.

Find out the gender of your hamsters.
The best rule of thumb is to keep hamsters of the same gender together and separate hamsters of different genders in separate cages. Hamsters of the same gender tend to fight and squabble less than hamsters of different genders.
  • Keeping hamsters of the same gender together can reduce aggression.
  • Separating different-gendered hamsters is crucial for their well-being.
  • Ignoring this step may lead to increased fighting and stress.
  • The best rule of thumb is to keep hamsters of the same gender together and separate hamsters of different genders in separate cages.
  • Hamsters of the same gender tend to fight and squabble less than hamsters of different genders.
3

Put the hamsters in separate cages side by side.

Put the hamsters in separate cages side by side.
This initial set up allows the hamsters to get used to each other's scent without physical contact. Let them smell and interact with each other through the bars of their separate cages. Once they appear to be tolerating each other, try putting them in the same cage.
  • Allowing them to sniff each other can reduce aggression.
  • This step helps prevent territorial behavior.
  • Be cautious not to rush this process.
  • This initial set up allows the hamsters to get used to each other's scent without physical contact.
  • Let them smell and interact with each other through the bars of their separate cages.
4

Watch your hamsters play and interact in their cage.

Watch your hamsters play and interact in their cage.
Once you place the hamsters together in one cage, pay attention to how they interact with each other. Do they play with each other at least once a day or ignore each other? Does one hamster seem more forward or aggressive than the other hamster? This will help you get a sense of their dynamic and if they are starting to form a bond.
  • Monitoring their behavior can prevent future conflicts.
  • Identifying any signs of aggression is crucial for your hamsters' well-being.
  • Ignoring this step may lead to increased fighting and stress.
  • Once you place the hamsters together in one cage, pay attention to how they interact with each other.
  • Do they play with each other at least once a day or ignore each other?

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