The feasibility of housing hamsters in groups varies strictly by breed. Here are specific rearing recommendations:
1. Breeds That Can Be Attempted for Group Housing and Their Requirements
Roborovski Hamsters
The only breed recommended for group housing; they live in family groups in the wild.
Requirements:
At least 0.5 square meters of living space per hamster
Equipped with dual food bowls, three exercise wheels, and chewing tools
The success rate of cohabitation is approximately 78%, but initial interactions need 24-hour monitoring
Dwarf Hamsters (e.g., Purple Hamsters, Silver Fox Hamsters)
The success rate of cohabitation is less than 30%, and three conditions must be met:
Cage size ≥ 1.2m × 0.8m
A timed feeding system
Ambient temperature of 22-26°C
Females are highly aggressive, with incisor bite force reaching 2kg, requiring close observation.
2. Breeds That Are Absolutely Not Allowed to Be Housed in Groups
Syrian Hamsters (e.g., Golden Hamsters)
They have a strong solitary nature. Germany's TÜV certification standards require each hamster to have a territory equivalent to 60 square meters for humans.
There is a phenomenon of "delayed aggression"—fatal fights may break out even after months of peaceful cohabitation.
3. Severe Consequences of Failed Group Housing
The mortality rate from trauma infections due to incorrect cohabitation reaches 67%. Chronic stress syndrome may cause irreversible nerve damage.
Typical symptoms include ，chewing on cage bars, and persistent diarrhea.
4. Safe Rearing Recommendations
Solitary housing is preferred: 90% of mutual aggression incidents stem from incorrect group housing.
Special handling during the breeding period:
Same-sex hamsters must be separated into cages after reaching adulthood.
Opposite-sex hamsters can be temporarily housed together for breeding, but must be separated immediately after the female becomes pregnant.
Summary: Except for Roborovski hamsters, all other breeds are recommended to be housed in separate cages. If you insist on group housing, you must strictly meet the requirements for space, resources, and breed, and continuously observe behavioral changes.