Hamsters fighting

Question
Hello,

I just bought my daughters two "Golden" hamsters.  The first one died 7 days after we got them.  We got a replacement hamster (Golden) and the 1st hamster started biting the 2nd one.  They were all together when we purchased the first 2.  We didn't see any bite marks on the one that died.  Why is one hamster biting the other?

Thank you,
Christina

Answer
Hi Christina,

Golden hamsters, formally known as Syrian hamsters, are solitary animals (both in the wild and in captivity).  As young hamsters, they are able to get along with their siblings.  However, as they grow older (typically when they're around 6-8 weeks old), and especially when they're transferred to a new environment, they become increasingly territorial, and their solitary instincts kick in.

That's why, when two Syrian hamsters are kept in the same cage, they will fight violently.  If kept in the same cage long enough, the dominant hamster will kill the other one.

So, you'll need to buy another cage as soon as possible (or, see if you can return the newer hamster to the pet store, or give it away).  Don't worry, the hamster won't feel lonely in a cage by itself.  It needs no company.

Happy New Year!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly