Rotastak Hamster Cage FAQ – 3 Simple Tips on Introducing Dwarf Hamsters to Each Other

For the people who didn’t know, when you buy a new dwarf hamster and want to introduce it to those that you already have, it is not as simple as just putting the new hamster into it’s new home. Work has to be done to ensure that this newcomer is accepted and welcomed by the rest of the hamsters you already have. Thus I wrote this article, to share with you some steps and measures to take in order to prevent harm towards your new hamster. I mentioned dwarf hamsters because I’m not too sure about how to introduce the other breeds of hamsters. This is the method I’ve used for my own dwarfs.

1. The setup of the cage

(a) Essential steps have to be taken to setup the cage. You will need to get a separator of some sort (I’ve got a BBQ wire mesh) put it in between the new dwarf hamster and the existing ones that you have. This serves as a barrier to protect either sides of the cage. What I did was to stick tape across the mesh so that my hamsters can’t get over to the other side. I have a picture of this. Do leave me a note and your email address at my blog for me to send you a picture of how I did it.
(b) Because dwarf hamsters are territorial, they mark out their territory by this gland at the bottom of their belly. Therefore we have to make sure that the new dwarf hamster gets a fresh set of bedding to prevent it from feeling threatened with the scent of the other hamsters.
(c) Once done, you can put your hamster into the cage and make sure all the necessities like water, wheel, food etc. are readily available.

2. The getting used-to period

(a) The hamsters will be very curious to see who is on the other side of the cage. Mine tried to bite the the mesh and the good thing about BBQ mesh is that they can’t bite through it.
(b) If you hear squeaking sound made by the hamsters. Do not panic. They are just unfamiliar with each other and will stop after awhile. (Mine stopped after a week)

3. The follow up

(a) The job’s not done yet! For them to get used to each other we do it the passive way first. Every 2-3 days, swap their places. Meaning if hamster A is on the left now, bring it over to hamster B’s side and bring hamster B to hamster A’s side. This is for them to get used to the smell of the other hamster.
(b) When you do that, make sure that each hamster has enough food to eat. Best time to swap places is before meal time. This way, the hamsters will definitely not go hungry.
(c) After a week you noticed your hamsters stopped squeaking at each other, introduce them to each other. (ie. Taking the barrier away) Pay close attention to them as they might not be ready for each other. If they start scuffling, use your hand to separate them. This is a sign that they’re not ready to live with each other. Put the barrier in between them again and continue the swapping places for 3 more cycles.
(d) Hopefully by then, they will be able to live together harmoniously. If after 2 to 3 tries, your hamsters are still scuffling non stop, then my suggestion is that it is best not to let them live together.

Hopefully these 3 simple tips will be helpful to you in introducing your dwarf hamsters to each other.

Introducing a New Feline Friend to Your Cat

Cats are extremely territorial so you should be wary if you already have a cat in the house and you are thinking of getting another cat. In fact, most people would choose not to get a second cat. However, this does not really mean that no household would be harmonious when there are two cats under the same roof. Still, if you want to get rid of the nasty hissing bouts that would inevitably occur, there are things you can do to foster a more peaceful environment.

The key here is in the introduction stage. Yes, you will have to introduce your new cat to your first cat very carefully. Doing this the right way would make things smoother in the end. However, it is not going to be easy so you have to be patient with the results here.

The first thing you have to do is enlist the help of a friend. Your friend should be the one to carry the new cat into the house, preferably in some sort of cat carrier so that it would not be too alarming a sight for your first cat. But why get a friend to do this? Your old cat would not be appreciative of seeing you holding another cat in your arms. Thus, you have to get a friend to do this for you initially.

Once you, your friend, and your new cat are inside the house already, make sure to take the new cat into a separate room. Do not attempt to have both cats inside the same room at this stage. You are asking for trouble if you would do this. In this separate room, make sure the new cat has its own sleeping place, a litter box, feeding dish, water dish, playthings, and most importantly, its own scratching post. With its separate room, your first cat will soon notice that there is indeed another cat holding its own territory in the same house.

Cats’ sense of smell is very intense so you can expect your old kitty to notice the presence of the new cat by its scent even beyond those closed doors. The key here is to let your kitty smell the new cat in an indirect manner. You can do this by rubbing the new cat with a cloth or towel and then have your first cat smell that material. Eventually, your old cat will become accustomed to this new smell.

After some time, you should then swap the rooms of the cats so that each cat can sniff each other’s presence out, making both of them more accustomed to each other as well. Eventually, allow the cats to spend time together in the same room. This may take a few tries, but be patient. If this is still not enough, then you can enlist the services of your veterinarian. This way, you can maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment for both of your beloved felines.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

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