1. Core Reasons for Absolute Prohibition of Cage-Sharing
Fatal Aggressive Behavior
All adult hamster breeds have a strong sense of territoriality. Cage-sharing will lead to:
Continuous biting (commonly occurs at night)
Severe injuries (broken limbs/tails)
Stress-induced sudden death
Physical Health Hazards
Long-term stress causing stereotypic behaviors like hair loss and self-mutilation
Malnutrition due to competition for resources
A 300% increased risk of disease transmission (Source: International Rodent Research Association)
2. Mandatory Standards for Separate Caging
Age Threshold
Baby hamsters must be separated into individual cages once they reach 4 weeks old (Syrian hamsters require earlier separation)
Adult hamsters are prohibited from cohabiting in any form
Space Requirements
Even when using an "extra-large cage" (e.g., a 100cm basic cage), physical barriers are still necessary:
Acrylic dividers (positions need to be changed regularly)
Separate food bowls/water bottles (with a spacing of over 30cm between them)
3. Temporary Handling for Special Cases
Breeding Period Management
Only professional breeders should handle this process
Separate the male and female hamsters immediately after mating (the probability of the female attacking the male is as high as 92%)
Baby Hamster Transition Period
Littermates can cohabit temporarily, but the following conditions must be met:
Monitor their behavior daily (separate them immediately if chasing occurs)
Provide 3 times the usual number of hiding spots
4. Alternative Solutions
Scent Socialization Method
Swap bedding between cages 2-3 times a week
Use toys that carry each hamster’s scent
Environmental Enrichment
Multi-level cages (vertical space > 50cm)
Change tunnel layouts daily
Provide chew stones/chew sticks
5. Emergency Response Measures
If caged hamsters show the following signs:
Puffed-up fur (alert state)
High-frequency squeaking (> 15kHz)
Hiding for more than 2 hours
Take immediate action:
Separate the hamsters using thick gloves
Check for injuries (focus on ears/limbs)
Disinfect wounds with povidone-iodine after separation
Data Support
According to research in Rodent Ethology:
The average lifespan of caged hamsters is reduced by 40%
83% of hamsters will exhibit aggressive behavior within 3 months of cage-sharing
Separate caging can reduce medical expenses by 90%
It is recommended to always follow the "one hamster, one cage" principle, as this is the most basic requirement for ensuring hamster welfare.