My new hamster is acting anxious and doesn’t like coming out of his house.

[Hamsterpepe]

About five days ago I got a new hamster- Pepe, he is a Syrian hamster and is very cute but I rarely see him. Everyday he is in his house when I wake up and only comes out of his house in the late evening. In the night it is obvious that he eats some food and goes on his wheel but I wish I could see him more during the day! I opened the lid of his house today ( my fifth day of having him) and removed his house from his cage for a couple of minutes in order to give him time to excerise and learn to stop hiding but he quickly burrowed under his sawdust and seemed very nervous and skittish. I haven’t held him yet but I would like to ASAP in order to develop a bond with him. How long do you think it will be before he comes out more? What can I do to help with stress issues? How shall I approach holding him for the first time? Any advice you can give me is very much appreciated!:

[Mokie]

Hello!

I recently bought home two winter whites and this is very normal behaviour! Depending on where you got your little buddy from, he might not be used to having things such as a hide or lots of bedding. (Hopefully aspen, not pine or cedar).

Some hamsters just take a little while to really settle in. I know it can be exciting and can make you really impatient, but it’s all about time. You can get some tissue paper (unscented) and rub it over your hands and arms to get your scent on it, then place that in his enclosure. This will help familiarise your smell with him. He may even take it for nesting! Even if he isn’t out and about, he can still hear you, so make sure you’re talking so he can become comfortable with your presence.

My little Mocha is particularly shy, every time I open the lid, he gets a fright, even when I’ve been talking to him and standing close. Some hamsters are just like that so it will take them a bit longer! Don’t be discouraged, but more importantly don’t rush it. My Latte is a big biter, but it’s all about working on it and getting your hamster to trust you. If yours doesn’t like to come out with people there, he’s just still not comfortable and it’s all about waiting but making sure he’s still eating/drinking. As long as he’s eating/drinking, he’s perfectly fine and there’s no need to worry. He will exercise on his own so please refrain from lifting his home. If you give him nothing to hide in, he will only be more scared and shy.

Wishing you lots of luck on your journey!