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Old 08-26-2021, 11:53 PM   #1
Averagehamsterperson
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 2
Unhappy Drastic hamster personality change

My precious 2 year old winter white hamster has been acting out-of-the-ordinary lately and it is a bit concerning for me.

It was only after our 5-day vacation that we'd seen a drastic change in personality. (My neighbor was there to check on him everyday of course, however did not pick him up and only gently brushed him with the toothbrush we provided her.)

The first time I pick him up (which was after about a day or two of settling ourselves in to let him adjust to our scent, etc., etc.) he runs to my fingertips and bites me.. HARD - which is completely abnormal to his normal self as he absolutely adores being cuddled and held and has never bitten, only licked or nibbled. So again, I give him a bit more time, still the same. HOWEVER, when he's sleeping, the little guy loves belly rubs and back pats.

Another observation I've made is that of all places in his enclosure, he only sleeps under his water bottle completely exposed on his back or side.

He has also developed a bar biting behavior as a way to beg for treats. (It does not seem to be of boredom, and he only does so when he hears our voice. He eventually stops and walks away after receiving his treat.) He always had a tendency to come to the bars anyways but not bite them.

This is my first and probably only hamster (I am young as you can tell,) but I really want him to live a long fulfilling life because he is my best friend. Advice would be helpful, ty! (Apologies for sloppy grammatical mistakes, I'm writing this super late!)

The cage I currently use is the Prevue Pet Product 528 Small Animal enclosure I believe - just to anyone curious.
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Old 08-29-2021, 08:44 AM   #2
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Default Re: Drastic hamster personality change

Hi and welcome to HC!

I would keep talking to him for a few days without touching or handling him so he gets used to not being by himself again

At two years old he is an old man and may start to show signs of aging. I'd watch out for any signs of discomfort which would also lead to biting when being handled.

I'm very surprised to hear that your hamster tolerates being touched while asleep. Most hamsters would be alarmed and jump or snap at whoever is touching them.

He must be very tame and relaxed.
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Old 08-29-2021, 08:53 PM   #3
Averagehamsterperson
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 2
Default Re: Drastic hamster personality change

Thank you so much for your reply. However unfortunately my little buddy passed away yesterday in his sleep; wasn't expecting him to leave me so soon �� And indeed, he was very calm and overall the best ham-ham I will ever have. Nonetheless I appreciate your help, thanks again.
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Old 08-31-2021, 05:59 AM   #4
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Default Re: Drastic hamster personality change

I am so sorry for your loss.

His time had come but it is hard for you.
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