Hamster Central - View Single Post - My new Robo - whats going on?Is this normal? Help for new owner please

Pebbles82 · 07-19-2019, 01:42 AM

Do you have a photo of your cage set up? Robos tend to need a set up with a fair amount of "overhead cover" to feel secure - eg good sized tunnels, hanging toys etc so it's not too open above, and a shelf or platform to go under. If there isn't much then they will instinctively dive under the substrate. They are the most fearful of all hamsters (so I've read) being so tiny - and they are prey animals so being under something makes them feel they can't be got at from above (like bird claws!). Even though they're domesticated pets they still have this instinct.

I know what you mean - it's like you never see them. I find though that although our robo likes to nest out of sight/underground, he comes out a lot more than our syrian - often at lunch time and in the afternoon. And when they are out they can be very funny rushing around and running in their wheels/saucer etc.

When she's settled and feels more confident she will be more active I'm sure. I also worried if ours was ok when I could never see him. Do you put a bit of fresh veg out each day as well as hamster mix? If not it's a good idea - just a tiny bit - thumbnail sized. They love fresh veg and you will see it has been nibbled each morning so know she is ok!

Another thing to check is water bottle accessibility and make sure it's not too high to reach.

07-19-2019, 01:42 AM
Pebbles82 Hamster Antics Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 23,533	Re: My new Robo - whats going on?Is this normal? Help for new owner please Do you have a photo of your cage set up? Robos tend to need a set up with a fair amount of "overhead cover" to feel secure - eg good sized tunnels, hanging toys etc so it's not too open above, and a shelf or platform to go under. If there isn't much then they will instinctively dive under the substrate. They are the most fearful of all hamsters (so I've read) being so tiny - and they are prey animals so being under something makes them feel they can't be got at from above (like bird claws!). Even though they're domesticated pets they still have this instinct. I know what you mean - it's like you never see them. I find though that although our robo likes to nest out of sight/underground, he comes out a lot more than our syrian - often at lunch time and in the afternoon. And when they are out they can be very funny rushing around and running in their wheels/saucer etc. When she's settled and feels more confident she will be more active I'm sure. I also worried if ours was ok when I could never see him. Do you put a bit of fresh veg out each day as well as hamster mix? If not it's a good idea - just a tiny bit - thumbnail sized. They love fresh veg and you will see it has been nibbled each morning so know she is ok! Another thing to check is water bottle accessibility and make sure it's not too high to reach.