Staring.....

[hippydippychick]

Hi guys; quick question!

The Prof seems happy enough in his new house; I've started taming him and although he's nervy (pet-shop purchase so it's gotta be expected) he's responding well to hands being in the cage and he's sat on my hand a couple of times of his own accord.

Something I've noticed though is that he seems to go into little trances every now and again, staring into space and not responding to noises or movement. Anyone else's hammies do the same thing? Is it something to keep an eye on, or just an intelligent little Professor gazing off and contemplating the universe?

[Zeppelin]

My crew tend to do this, usually from a high spot. Particularly Slayer, he goes to the top of his 3-tiered cage, sits on his back legs and will stare at you (usually around dinner time!). It spins me out a bit cos everytime I look at him he'll be in exactly the same position without even sniffing, he's probably listening out for possibility of goodies.
So don't worry about your little guy - although you do have to accept it is very cute!
XXX

[haziebabie]

Its normal behaviour for hamsters to do this. Its part of a survival instinct to freeze to avoid drawing attention to themselves. It maybe you hamster is hearing or seeing something that is putting them on alert. Not to worry though they all do it. Mine also see me with food and sit at the bars and hope i'll give them a tidbit!! How can you resist such a cute face...??

[hippydippychick]

Ah well that's a relief! New-mum nerves; I'm looking at everything and thinking - is that normal? Should he look like that? How many toes should he have? Thankyou for your patience!