Polski
Keeping Russian dwarf hamsters together? Why we don't recommend it
The Russian dwarf hamster ( Phodopus sungorus ) is sometimes offered as a "pair" or you might see them together in pet shops. This can give the impression that keeping them together is normal. In practice, this is one of the areas where things most often go wrong.
Our advice is therefore clear: don't keep Russian dwarf hamsters together, but always keep one hamster per enclosure . On this page, we explain how they live in the wild, why you sometimes see them together as youngsters, and what to do if you do have two together.
Back to the general page: Russian dwarf hamster information (all in one overview) . DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 and helps you choose based on welfare and practicality.
Directly to the Hamster shop: Hamster (all) · Hamster cages & enclosures · Bedding · Exercise wheels · Houses
Quick to:
Checklist: Considering a male/female pair? For experienced breeders only
We do not recommend keeping Russian dwarf hamsters together. This checklist is solely intended to clarify the difference: if someone is considering a male/female combination, it is only a responsible option if you are experienced and prepared to handle young .
- ✓ Are you 100% sure it is a man/woman (and not two of the same)?
- ✓ Do you have additional accommodations available for separation and (possible) youngsters?
- ✓ Can you monitor behavior daily and intervene immediately in case of tension?
- ✓ Do you have a concrete plan for shelter/placement and long-term housing?
- ✓ If not: always choose one hamster per enclosure .
✓ Our standard advice
One Russian dwarf hamster per enclosure is most predictable for peace, well-being and safety.
✓ Male/female = chance of having a boy
In practice, a male/female combination means: you must be prepared for young and additional housing.
✓ No tips for “same sex”
Two animals of the same sex are not suitable. Therefore, you won't find any "pairing tips" for that situation on this page.
How do Russian dwarf hamsters live in the wild?
In the wild, Russian dwarf hamsters don't live together permanently, as social animals do. The male usually has a territory within which several females can live. The male visits rutting females for mating and can sometimes stay "around" for a while as long as the female allows, but there is no stable, permanent cohabitation.
This natural pattern explains why keeping birds together in housing often goes wrong: space in an enclosure is limited, routes constantly cross each other and pressure quickly builds up around sleeping places, food and "safe zones".
Our advice: always keep it alone
We recommend: always one Russian dwarf hamster per enclosure . This is the most reliable way to prevent unrest, stress, and escalation. The tricky thing about "togetherness" is that it's not always immediately apparent: things can seem to be going well for a while and then suddenly change.
Important: Two animals of the same sex are not suitable. We don't assume this, and we don't offer any advice for this.
Why you sometimes see them together in the pet store
In stores, you often see Russian dwarf hamsters together because they are young and temporarily housed in a group. Young animals tend to behave more tolerantly. As they mature, the risk of tension increases significantly. Therefore, "It was fine at first" isn't a reliable indicator.
Exception: male/female (only for experienced breeders)
Very occasionally, a male/female combination is discussed. We do not recommend this for pet owners. If anyone does consider it, it's only for an experienced owner/breeder with a well-thought-out plan, as you have to consider young , additional housing, and the ability to separate them at the right time.
Behavior can also change between males and females. Therefore, the practical advice for most situations remains: one hamster per enclosure .
What if you have two of them together?
In that case, it's wise to separate as soon as possible and use separate residences. Do this even if you don't see any visible conflict yet: escalation can happen unexpectedly.
- Arrange a second home (preferably comparable in size and furnishings).
- Provide both enclosures with deep, diggable ground cover and multiple hiding places.
- Move one hamster calmly in a transport box and observe closely during the first few days.
Unsure about your gender or want to help determine the best approach? Check out our service page .
Signals between two animals: what does it mean?
Behavior can be telling, but be careful: "sleeping together" or "sitting close together" doesn't guarantee stability. Always take signs of tension seriously.
Signs of rising tension
- Chasing or repeated chasing.
- Block at the house, feeding area, exercise wheel or sandbox.
- Beeping/screaming sound on contact (stress signal).
- Unrest : one animal dares to eat less or stays “away” in a corner a lot.
- Wounds on ears/neck/back or missing tufts of fur.
Do you see this? Then divorce is the wisest step.
Useful shopping links (for a good, calm interior)
Accommodation & basic furnishings:
Hamster cages & enclosures · Bedding · Houses · Tunnels · Exercise wheels · Sand & sand baths
Rest & enrichment:
Hamsterscaping · Playing & Foraging · Nesting Material
Practical:
Transport boxes · Hamster run · Hamster food
Back to the hub: Russian Dwarf Hamster Information (Overview)
FAQ – Keeping Russian Dwarf Hamsters Together
Is it sad to keep a Russian dwarf hamster alone?
No. For this species, a separate, secure enclosure with a digging layer, hiding routes, and enrichment is always the best and most predictable situation.
Why do I see them together in stores then?
These are often youngsters that are temporarily together. With adult animals, the risk of tension increases significantly.
I have two of them now. What's the smartest choice?
Split into two accommodations. Still unsure or want to discuss options? Check out our service page .
✓ Clear advice: one hamster per enclosure
✓ Explanation of why “togetherness” often goes wrong (even if it seems good at first)
✓ Selection aid and shopping links from specialists since 2011
