Yes, you can continue to keep a hamster even after it has eaten its companion, but it is absolutely crucial to house it separately. You must not attempt to keep them together again, as this behavior indicates a high risk of further aggression, potentially leading to more cannibalism. The consumption of a companion hamster typically stems from extreme hunger or territorial aggression.
Hamsters are solitary creatures with a robust sense of territory. When housed together, fighting is a common occurrence, which can escalate to fatal attacks and subsequent cannibalism. Therefore, it's imperative to house hamsters individually, with separate enclosures. While young hamsters may sometimes tolerate sharing space before their territorial instincts develop, once they mature (around one month of age) and enter puberty, they should be separated to avoid potential conflict and aggressive behavior.
Reasons for Hamster Fights
1. Extreme Hunger
As hamster owners know, extreme hunger can lead to hamsters fighting and even killing each other. Although they are low on the food chain, severe hunger can trigger aggressive behavior. These fights can become extremely violent, and once blood is drawn, the scent intensifies the aggression. Tragically, the victor may then consume the remains of the defeated hamster. This is a grim display of survival instinct, highlighting their desperate need for adequate feeding.
2. Territoriality
Hamsters are naturally solitary animals, preferring to live independently. When forced to share an enclosure, they will often try to establish and defend their territory. This territorial competition leads to fighting, which is a natural consequence of their social behavior. Conflict is almost inevitable when they are compelled to cohabitate.
3. Mating Season
During the mating season, hamsters are prone to fighting. Male hamsters may attempt to dominate females, often leading to mounting behavior. If the female is unreceptive, she may bite the male, sometimes causing serious injury, and the mating process may ultimately fail.