Robo Dwarf Hamster Questions?

Question

My mother took me to our local Pet Co today, where we purchased two Robo Dwarf Hamsters. We bought them a cage, set up their wheel, food, and water, and right now they are in there, seemingly enjoying themselves. But I have a few questions.

1. They keep fighting over the wheel. I feel like ones going to get hurt. What can I do to prevent them from fighting?

2. They are both able to climb the cage all the way to the top. My mom is worried that if we leave the top open, they'll climb out and run around. Is that normal?

3. They've been on the wheel "taking turns" for a quite bit now. About an hour. Both of them have taken a nibble of their food, but haven't touched the water. Do I have to teach them how to drink out of the water bottle?

4. When I tried to grab and lift them and put them into the cage, they were terribly scared, and if I even touched their fur the slightest bit, they would panic and run around. I had to resort to trapping them in a peanut can. Is that normal?

Thanks!

Answer 1

4
Yes, robo hamsters are extremeley difficult to pick up.  This is because they are startled very easily and don't like being touched.  It can take up to a month to train them to sit in your hand calmly, but it's worth it.  Once they get used to the attention, they'll stretch out on the palm of your hand and go to sleep.