Ocd?

[MollyTheHam]

I'm not entirely sure this is even possible; but if you don't ask you don't get. Right?
So my Syd is showing some behaviours that are worrying me .
He washes almost obsessively. He occasionally falls asleep in his sand bath. Then when he's out and about in his ball, he always runs the same course. He's also still incredibly anxious. So I was just wondering if it's possible for him to have some kind of anxiety disorder?
Someone help

[cypher]

Sounds like fairly normal hamster behaviour to me tbh!
You say he's still incredibly anxious but how long have you had him? Some hams do take quite a while to settle in, are there any sounds or scents that might disturb him & make him anxious maybe like other animals around?

[Thin Lizzy]

You've not had Syd long, so he might still be adjusting to his home.
Some can take weeks to settle in.

[maebh06]

I'd give it a while. As the others say, he might just be taking a bit longer to adjust. However, if he grooms himself until he starts to bleed or something like that, i'd consider taking him to the vets, but then again i'm not an expert. Good luck with everything!

[Artisans_uk]

One reason for hamsters following the same routes is because they follow their scents, even in the ball Syd will have left his scent, so he will be able to pick that up when he is out. As for sand baths, mine do all sorts in theirs, eat, sleep, play etc.

As others have said, all normal hamster behaviour.

[racinghamster]

Hamsters who are new to a household should be given time and patience to get to know their new habitat, owner and gently come out of their shell. Using a ball too soon and too often might make them feel excitable or unsettled, depending on how often you are asking him to be in this ball. A good hamster wheel is all they need inside the cage to excersize well so a ball is not necessary. A safe play area is far better and won`t make him feel enclosed. x