Hello,

I'm reading online, although from no reputable source, that a female hamster shouldn't give birth more than 3-5 times.

Here's my dilemma: I have a couple - but after giving 3 births, I separated them. It's been a few weeks now. They are certainly not happier alone than when they were together. Especially the male. How do I know? They gnaw at their cage often - especially the male (yes, I've provided them stones/things to gnaw)

They have plenty of space and enrichment.

The way I see it, I have two options - Let them be as they are and try to make their lives as good as possible or put them back together at the expensive female's lifespan, although I do hope she'll live a happier life.

There's also a chance that they will fight once put back together, but I'll handle that. Will follow them for a few hours/have some gloves around to split them (got bitten before, haha)

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I also have another 'couple' - I've also attempted to split them as well, although, for some odd reason, the female was never pregnant. After splitting for the next 1-2 days they were both deeply unhappy as well. I put them back together and they seem quite...happy? They sleep together and all of that.

I know, I know, word goes they are solitary creatures. And maybe they are. But my experience does not tell me that. Furthermore, once they've lived together for the first, say, 6 months, they could dislike being solitary.

There's also the possibility that the gnawing is due to something else - however, with the other couple, once I put them back together, the gnawing stopped.

What are your thoughts on this? Litters - not a problem for me. I donate them :)