Interest in the Campbell dwarf hamsters has been steadily growing each year, driven by their gentle nature, daytime activity (unlike many other hamster species), and the wide range of available colors—currently, there are 33 recognized color variations.

Unlike other hamster species, Campbell dwarf hamsters are social creatures. In captivity, they can be housed alone, in same-sex pairs, or in groups. However, when keeping them in pairs or groups, it’s essential to follow specific care guidelines. A group of Campbell dwarf hamsters forms a unified scent, which is a blend of their individual scents. Maintaining this scent bond is crucial for their harmony.

Disruptions to their olfactory connection, such as using different types of bedding, providing too much space, overcrowding their enclosure, or frequently altering their environment, can lead to territorial disputes. If this happens, it’s not always necessary to separate the hamsters immediately.

Instead, consider implementing some corrective measures and consult with me about the best approach for your specific situation. Following proper guidelines is key to ensuring that your hamsters coexist peacefully. However, even with the best care, there’s always a slight chance that adult hamsters might not get along due to personality differences.

In a space that’s too large, the scent bond within the group can weaken, leading to conflicts. Avoid making drastic changes to their environment. When cleaning their enclosure, only remove the soiled bedding, usually around their nest, and keep at least half of the old bedding to preserve their scent trail.

When adding fresh bedding, mix it with the existing material. Avoid introducing new smells or changing their environment too drastically. If you need to replace any part of the enclosure, do so gradually, adding only one new item every three months.

Limit handling outside their enclosure to 5-10 minutes daily, as they can feel threatened and stressed outside their territory. Don’t set up playrooms, avoid holding them for extended periods, and don’t let them run on furniture. They have their wheel for exercise and are most comfortable in their familiar environment.

If you notice conflicts within the group, such as one hamster being chased or bullied, there’s no need to separate them right away. Instead, follow the steps outlined below and reach out to me for further advice on managing their living conditions.

Steps to Address Conflicts in a Group

If conflicts arise, it’s important to re-establish the scent connection among the group members. Here’s how:

1. Place in a Smaller Enclosure:
   – Move the hamsters to a smaller container, about 30×20 cm, for two days.
   – Use fresh bedding, scatter their food in the bedding, and offer a slice of cucumber instead of a water bowl.
   – Don’t add any extra equipment.
   – This helps calm the situation, reestablishes their scent bond, and reduces stress for the targeted hamster.
2. Transition to a Larger Place:
   – After two days, transfer the hamsters to a larger enclosure (60×30 cm), still without any additional equipment.
   – Use the same bedding from the small container and add a little fresh bedding (no more than half).
3. Gradually Introduce Equipment:
   – On the third day, add a house and a water bowl, but nothing else. Continue to scatter the food in the bedding.
   – The next day, introduce a sand bath, still avoiding any other additions.
4. Return to the Original Enclosure:
   – After two more days, move the hamsters back to their original enclosure, which should be thoroughly cleaned with a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio).
   – Use the bedding from the previous week, mixed with some new bedding (no more than half).
   – Reintroduce the house, sand bath, and water bowl. Clean the wheel with vinegar water and wait two days before adding it back.
5. Monitor and Add Other Equipment:
   – If there are no further conflicts, you can add a cork tunnel and other accessories the day after reintroducing the wheel.