New Hamster Questions

[NibbleeTheHamster]

I just got a male Syrian hamster named ad, he is such a sweetheart but i have a few questions.

He hasn't been drinking at all and i have offered him a water bottle and a water bowl. The only way hes been getting liquid is threw grapes, is there anything i can do about this?

I have tried giving him sunflower seeds from my fingers and before i can even get close he runs away and starts trying to jump the walls. Absolutely terrified which breaks my heart- this is so new to me as my last hamster has not done any of these actions. is there something i can do to make him for comfortable with me?

He hasn't seemed to be eating. I've spread his seed mix around and ive given it into a bowl. he has only been here for barely a day so i dont know if i should be worried.

And lastly, he does NOT burrow or sleep in his house. i have the cage divided into half soft bedding with 6 inches and the other half is aspen with like 1 inch to fit his 12 inch wheel, he sleeps in the aspen just in a ball which seems odd, should i stress this?

[LunaTheHamster1]

Congratulations on your new hamster.
It can take a few days or even weeks for a new hamster to settle into his/her new home.
If you try giving him a few more days to just settle in and get used to his new surroundings I am sure you will see the difference in his behaviour.
I would stop trying to offer him food on your hand for the time being.
I don't think you need to be worried, it really sounds like he just needs a bit more space for him to settle in.
Each hamster is different and whilst your previous hamster may have been comfortable from day one with you that doesn't mean Ad will.
Give him time and I am sure he will become tame/more comfortable with your presence. For now I suggest just talking to him, so he gets used to your voice.

It really is very early days yet, one of my hamsters slept in a strawberry hide for the first few days until she ventured into her wooden house. You could always entice him into his house by placing a few treats in there.
Even with 6 inches of bedding some hamsters won't burrow, one of mine has 10-12 inches and still doesn't burrow apart from underneath his house.
He will find/drink his water when he needs it, again, early days and they may not drink at first just whilst they get used to everything, or he may be sneaking drinks when you are asleep/not about.
I hope that eases your mind somewhat.

[Maker]

As Luna said, don’t worry, I would leave him alone for at least a week, 2 weeks is better, just feed and change water. Hamsters are frightened of any changes so he will take a little time to get used to things. Make sure he has plenty of places to hide so he feels under cover when he is going about his business you could even pop a towel (He can’t get to) on the top of his cage or some cardboard to make him feel less exposed until he gets used to things. Feed him a little closer to where he is sleeping and maybe put a little cucumber there for him if you are worried he isn’t drinking. He’s had lots of changes - I find it helpful to imagine how it might feel if I was them.

[Izzy_the_Cookie]

Your Syrian may be coming out at night when you're asleep to drink and eat. He may be too scared to come out while you are awake