Why is Peanut blocking her tube?

[Meg1989]

Help! My husband and I just got a new hamster, Peanut was fine for the first day, but we had some errands to run the next day (Saturday), and when we got home her tube was blocked with her bedding. My husband felt bad for her because her food and water were on the lower level, so we stuck his hand in the lower level and started unblocking her tube. Peanut woke up and tried going down the tube and then started squeaking, almost panicking, running around her upper level. She seemed fine on Saturday, curled up and sleeping, only started freaking out once we started unblocking it for her. Just today she started throwing her bedding down the tube again, we didn't unblock it this time yet, is this normal? Should we be unblocking the tube for her or just let it go? Thanks for any help!!

[Stockannette]

They block up entrances to where they sleep so they feel warm and safe. Though I have a Syrian girl, who doesn't fit through "normal" plastic tubes (she's in a bin cage, so it's not a factor), she stops up the door of her sleeping box or burrow/nest when she goes to bed.

You can read a lot of different people weighing in on this if you search "blocking tubes."

[DrKMcK]

LOL. Although it looks like they can't get out, they can. My Ted E. Bear blocks up the tube to his bedroom every morning and tunnels his way back out every night. It's completely normal. Your poor little hammy must have felt totally invaded! We live and learn...every hammy owner goes through this process. Welcome to Hamster Central.

[Truffle]

One of my hamsters does it all the time, it helps to make them feel safe. Your hamster will be able to get through the tube- even if it doesn't look like it. There is nothing usual about this, once your hamster has settled in abit he will likely stop it.

[Meg1989]

Thanks everyone!! Really appreciate it! =)