Fighting or grooming?

Question
Hi kelly,
I'm housing 4 female sapphire hamsters together, 1 mother, 3 kids. I often see them nibbling at each others fur, especially the mum. But it seems like none of them like the nibbling and they squeak and struggle when another is nibbling on its fur. When the victim tries to run away she gets chased by the nibbler. It looks like normal grooming of its siblings to me but on the other hand it looks like they're fighting, should I step in to stop it or just leave them?  

Answer
Hi Maverick,

Sapphire hamsters?  I've actually never heard of that term.  Do you mean that your hamsters are Syrian (the larger, more common type) or Dwarves?  And, are they at least 6 weeks old?  (My response will be based on the assumption that all of your hamsters are at least 6 weeks old.)

If you have Dwarves, then it's fine to keep them in pairs.  However, groups of 4, especially when they're females, is a bit too much, and there's a strong chance they'll fight.  I would recommend getting another cage and placing two of the hamsters in the new cage.  

If you have Syrian hamsters, however, each hamster will need his/her own cage, since Syrian hamsters are solitary.  And, if you do have Syrian hamsters, then what you're seeing is mild fighting, which will intensify as they get older.

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

Kelly