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Old 08-17-2018, 04:16 PM   #1
Shadow Cat
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Default Hamster wake up times?

Hello all. I'm looking for advice.

When I first got my little man Fitz he used to wake up around 9 or 10 and he'd come out and say hello and we'd have a play before I went to sleep. But recently he's not been waking up until much later. It's quarter past midnight and I've not heard a peep.

I realise that some hamsters are truly nocturnal and that's fine, he can do his thing, but the problem is I never see him and I'm worried that he's going to become less tame as I don't have the chance to handle him as much as I used to.

Are there any factors that might cause hamsters to sleep for longer? Temperature or lighting (I already only keep a lamp on if I'm in my bedroom in the evening and not the overhead light as I know it's bad for them to be in strong light too much and I thought that might be a factor)

I'm not worried about him exactly, he's healthy and happy. But frankly I miss my pet! I miss playing with him!
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Old 08-17-2018, 07:41 PM   #2
Drago
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

As seasons change, so do their sleep patterns. My hams have occasionally had random shifts in their sleep schedule. It can be a sign something is off, but if he seems okay otherwise, I don’t see it being much of a problem.

While it’s more controversial, I would wake hams up who naturally woke up later than I stayed up (although this was hardly a problem as I can be up as late as 1-2 am regularly). I felt it important for them to get time outside their cage, so I would gently lure them out with a treat. After they’d woken up a bit, that’s when I’d take them out. Usually they’ll adapt to that schedule. Hamsters are adaptable creatures, and me waking them up a bit early never hurt them any. Good luck with your ham. Sorry he’s being a right pain!
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Old 08-17-2018, 09:41 PM   #3
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

I agree with Drago. The change in seasons often alters their sleeping schedules. Also, becoming elderly or ill can change their sleep patterns, too. In Fitz's case, it is probably just the seasonal change. If Eros has not woken up on her own and it is extremely late compared to her regular schedule and I'm going to bed shortly, I will try to call her name, rustle her food bag, offer treats, and/or whistle softly which are some of my ways to let her know that it is time to come out and play. At that point, she usually wakes up eagerly to play, get cuddles, treats, etc. I hope that Gimli's sleep schedule changes soon so it will be back to a more reasonable routine. Good luck.
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Old 08-18-2018, 06:07 AM   #4
Drago
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamtree1234 View Post
I agree with Drago. The change in seasons often alters their sleeping schedules. Also, becoming elderly or ill can change their sleep patterns, too. In Fitz's case, it is probably just the seasonal change. If Eros has not woken up on her own and it is extremely late compared to her regular schedule and I'm going to bed shortly, I will try to call her name, rustle her food bag, offer treats, and/or whistle softly which are some of my ways to let her know that it is time to come out and play. At that point, she usually wakes up eagerly to play, get cuddles, treats, etc. I hope that Gimli's sleep schedule changes soon so it will be back to a more reasonable routine. Good luck.
Aha! I’d totally forgotten to mention age lol! As Dreamtree said, age is a factor.

I also wanted to add on to my original post:
If you do wake your ham, do so very gently, and with treats. Make sure not to force anything
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Old 08-18-2018, 11:02 AM   #5
Shadow Cat
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

Thank you for the advice everyone. It could be age. He’s a rescue and I haven’t a clue how old he is but he could be as old as two. He seems bright eyed and alert and quite active once he actually gets up. I wonder if talking to him even if he’s in his nest might help. If he associates my voice with feeding time will he be more likely to come out and see what’s happening and what’s on the menu? I gave him a cut up cherry last night. Went down a treat!
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:50 PM   #6
adrien
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

Keep him on a steady schedule, so he knows when you'll be around to feed him. Both my boys stay up until 6 am, because they know 4-6 is breakfast; and they're both awake by 9 or 10 for evening treats.

I actually had an issue with my robo, where even a lamp would keep him in bed. Any light more than a night light, and he goes straight back to bed!
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Old 08-21-2018, 04:04 PM   #7
Shadow Cat
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Default Re: Hamster wake up times?

He used to come out when he heard me take the lid off his bin cage but it doesn’t wake him up anymore. I feed him at the same time every night, about 11pm but he doesn’t come out anymore Would he even notice if I fed him at different times?

If he’s not awake when I go to sleep (and I go to sleep pretty late usually) he’s not getting any time in his playpen. I worry he’s bored being in his cage 24/7. Also since he’s usually only just wwatched ken up whenever I do get him out he’s more skittish and I get the feeling he’d prefer to be left alone!

It’s possible I’m over thinking things...
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