Why hamsters thrive on their own
Here's a surprising one: for hamsters, living alone is not lonely. It's natural.
Illustrated GugaOne hamster, one home
Syrian hamsters live alone in the wild and can be very territorial. Dwarf hamsters are a little more social in nature, but they can still turn on each other suddenly, even after living together peacefully for a long time. Many experienced keepers recommend giving every hamster its own habitat.
Cuddling isn't always cuddling
Hamsters sleeping in a pile are often just sharing warmth. They don't need company the way a rat might, and another hamster nearby can be stressful.
If you have more than one
If you've been keeping hamsters together, you're not a bad owner. Lots of us were told that was fine. A second habitat is the next step when you're ready, and it also prevents surprise litters.
Want a pet that loves company? Rats, gerbils and guinea pigs are social species, though each has its own care needs.