Timid hamster/not doing much when let out of cage?

[Benefitsben]

Hi

I haven't been with my boy for around a month as I was on holiday, and although my dad could let him out of his cage for the 1st 2 weeks of the holiday, he was looked after by my nan for the last 2 weeks and so he couldn't be let out as they have a (not very tamed) dog who I wouldn't trust my boy to be out of his cage nearby.

I couldn't let him out for a few days as he woke up too late, however since I've come back I've let him out of his cage twice. Both times he's just kinda hid in his hideout and not done much, not even run in his wheel which used to be one of his favourite things.

Even when I put him back in his cage he seems more scared and freezes up at the sight est sound. He does still use his wheel, but he doesn't use it as much imo and he seems to run a little slower on it (I don't think he has a mobility issue as he still runs very fast, which he wouldn't do if he was in pain). He's eating and drinking like normal, and he seems in good health (no dry skin, similar weight etc)

It's like he's forgotten all his taming as he used to love running around in the bath/playpen, but now he's very hesitant to go in there, and he just explores for 2 minutes then hides in his hideout for the rest of the time he's in there. Ig it's because he hasn't seen me in a month, but it seems like I'm going to have to start taming him from the beginning again.

Does anyone have any tips on making him less timid again, or an idea of what could've made him timid again? He isn't so timid to the point he runs inside and hides of you go near him, but he's more scared than usual. Thank you :)

[cypher]

A month is a very long time for a hamster & all those changes will have been stressful for him, I wouldn’t worry too much though, just give him time to settle in again, it may take a couple of weeks & begin to interact with him more again once his confidence begins to return. If he’s no happy coming out then maybe just interact with him in the cage for a while until he’s more settled.

[Pebbles82]

I agree a month in a hamster‘a life is a long time and a big change. At least he isn’t all stressed and manic which ours was after being left elsewhere for a 10 day holiday.

He is probably a bit disorientated too. I’d leave him alone for a couple of days and then start getting him out every couple of days - either bathtub time or just time familiarising with you and his environment.

In a couple of weeks he should be more perky.

[MyHamsterAdventures]

I agree, probably confused with all the new sounds, smells, visuals this last month has brought. Even just the bark of your Nan's dog could have spooked him if he has never heard it before. If you give it a bit of time I am sure he will get back to normal.