getting new hamsters

Question
Hi, I just got a Syrian hamster today, its a girl and i want to get 2 more.Should i get 2 more girls ,should i keep them all in the same cage and how should i introduce them?

Answer
Hi Melissa

Congratulations on getting a Syrian hamster.  These are solitary creatures and under no circumstances should she be put in with another hamster or ever introduced to another hamster.  They are very territorial and will fight - I have seen some horrendous injuries where people have introduced Syrians or kept them together.  If you want to get another hamster, then you would need to buy another cage.  Although her cage can be situated next to the other hamster, make sure they can't touch each other through the bars otherwise they may nip each other's nose.

The only time you can introduce one Syrian to another is if you are breeding them. Even then it can be dangerous and you have to be so careful as the female comes into season every 4th day and it is vital that is the day they are introduced otherwise she will attack the male.  When mating hamsters they must be monitored at all times, and introduced in neutral territory - the mating process only takes a matter of minutes before they must be separated again.  The male plays no part whatsoever in raising the pups.  Also, Syrians can have litters of 14 or more and these need sexing and separating at 4 weeks and by 6 weeks they all need a cage of their own, so deciding to breed them is a very big decision as it is vital there will be enough people interested in having one.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila