Whether hamsters can live in groups depends on multiple factors such as species, age, gender, and living environment. It is essential to carefully assess the risks and conditions. Below are comprehensive guidelines:
1. Species Differences Determine the Feasibility of Group Housing
Solitary Hamster Species (e.g., Syrian Hamsters/Golden Hamsters)
Adult Syrian hamsters have an extremely strong sense of territory. Housing them together can easily lead to fatal fights, so solitary caging is recommended.
Social Hamster Species (e.g., Dwarf Hamsters)
Some dwarf hamster species (such as Roborovski hamsters and Campbell's dwarf hamsters) can be tentatively kept in groups under specific conditions, which must meet the following requirements:
Grouped from a young age (housed together before 2 months of age, from the same litter)
Same gender or neutered/spayed
Cage size of at least 0.5 square meters per hamster, with multiple independent functional areas
2. Core Conditions for Group Housing
Space and Equipment
For each additional hamster, an extra 0.5 square meters of activity space is required.
Provide double sets of food bowls, exercise wheels, and hiding huts.
Multi-level cages or extra-large flat cages (e.g., 1.2m × 0.8m) are recommended.
Health and Observation
Check daily for persistent chasing, biting, or hiding behaviors. If any abnormalities occur, separate the hamsters into individual cages immediately.
Clean the cage regularly (at least once a week) to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
3. High-Risk Scenarios and Alternative Solutions
Scenarios Where Group Housing Is Not Recommended
Housing adult hamsters together (especially males)
Insufficient cage size (e.g., regular small cages of 35cm × 25cm)
Unseparated genders leading to accidental breeding (female hamsters can give birth to 6-7 pups every 18-25 days)
Alternative Solutions
Solitary caging + daily interaction (at least 2 hours) or providing puzzle toys.
Place cages next to each other to meet their social needs while avoiding direct contact.
4. Controversies and Latest Research
Some studies suggest that Syrian hamsters may experience reduced anxiety due to social needs during their juvenile stage (before 6 months of age), but this requires strictly meeting space requirements and conducting constant behavioral observation. However, most authoritative organizations still recommend solitary housing to ensure safety.
Summary
Group housing hamsters requires professional knowledge and operation. For beginners, prioritizing solitary caging is advised. If attempting to house hamsters in groups, start with young hamsters and be fully prepared with emergency cage-separation plans.