My Syrian does not like to explore

BayliM · 07-23-2017, 06:33 PM

Hello everyone! I have a 12-13 week Male Syrian. We are heading into week 3 of him being in our home. Most of the time he is content with my presence but other nights he is moody so I let him be. I have spent a small fortune on different toys and activities to keep him entertained but he has zero interest in anything besides his wheel and hiding his food... I noticed early on that he enjoyed burrowing so I keep at least 5 inches of carefresh in his bin and he has fun with it. Everything that I've see emphasizes that hamsters love to explore and climb, Kristof doesn't like either of those activities.... I added a platform with a bendy bridge and he seems very anxious when he is up there... Is this normal behavior? He is a very nervous hammy in general and he flinches if he smells a new toy. He runs on his wheel for about 90% of the night (it's very loud) so I know he is being active but I am just worried that I am doing something wrong... I am also wondering if i should take out the platform and keep everything on one level.... Is it better to have more running space or more toys and hideouts? Sorry I am trying to fit all of my questions into one big thread... any advice would be greatly appreciated!

AprilPearl · 07-24-2017, 12:45 AM

This is very normal. All of my hamsters have shown virtually no interest in their toys and prefer to run on their wheels. I would add that your ham is new and as he settles into his cage, may well explore more. Plus, he may be nervous about exploring with you around or simply choose to wander around when you are in bed. If you leave some food scattered about his cage, you will be able to tell where he has gone the next morning by what he has taken. I wouldn't take out the platforms. If anything, they give him something to shelter under which will make him feel more safe. And, he might use them more as he gets older. It's also important not to have many open spaces in the cage and to provide lots of hideouts for this reason. This will make him feel secure enough to venture out more. Remember, he is only a baby and also that all hamsters are different

cypher · 07-24-2017, 12:46 AM

Not all hams like to climb & it's not a natural behaviour for them really so I wouldn't worry, he may just feel too exposed higher up on the platform right now but may get used to it as his confidence grows so you could try leaving it for a while, he will still have the space underneath the platform so I don't think you'll lose anything by keeping it, maybe try a tube or hideout of some sort up there for him too.

velma · 07-24-2017, 12:47 AM

All hamsters are different. There really is no hard and fast rule. Some like climbing, some don't. (Although if you ever do get a climber, it's worth bearing in my mind that they're also not very good at it so it's a good idea to make sure there's always a soft landing for them when they fall off!). Also, boys tend to be more lazy so may not always be as busy. If he likes digging then a deep area of bedding is good. You could have a go at making a dig box for him to play in for his cage - try the DIY section if the forum, I'm sure I've seen some ideas there. Basically they're a deep box (good for when you have barred cages and can only build up the bedding so far) with a hole on the side at the bottom (in case they can't climb back out). With often a ramp or something like that to get in and out. But the biggest thing to remember is he's still young & you've only had him for 3 weeks - he's still settling in. So don't stress, take your time & you'll find what he likes as you get to know him better and he matures a little

Thin Lizzy · 07-24-2017, 01:45 AM

The wheels tend to be a favourite, they can run miles in the night on them. Mine have always preferred their wheels. In time their confidence grows and they get braver.

CMB · 07-24-2017, 12:30 PM

Most hamsters favourite toy is their wheel. The platform is good. It gives cover for the floor level and a place to climb on if he wants to.

He may decide he likes the platform once he gets used to it. A tube, hide and some food/ treat(s) on the platform may help him enjoy it more.

I have access to the platform at both ends, so my hamster can get up, run along and then get down again. She had moments of being scared whilst on the platform to begin with, but is much more confident now.

Hope your hamster gets confident with the platform to.