New owner and seeing a new behavior in my Syrian

[Nickycaly]

Hi, I wondered if I may ask a question about something that has come up with Beethoven. For the past two mornings he gets up about dusk again after up all night, and he starts climbing very high and even sticks his head in the bars, as if to try and get out. I looked down, the dog was in another room, so I knew this wasn't the issue of the smell. After joining this site, I see that his cage is about 6 inches off of the standard recommendations & I've seen on Amazon they have one that meets the requirements for $149.00.

I had a Dr's appt., this morning, so I took him out into the playpen(this was the 3rd time), and this time he seemed to REALLY like it. So much so that I couldn't get him out, and I had to go I am able to pet him, he seems to really like this, and he take treats gently, however, I think I have a little fear of trying to hold him as he did bit me recently.
I just wondered if anyone knows or has experienced this behavior? He seems happy very much so, just thought it was odd two mornings in a row.
Thanks in advance

[Rads]

Hi Nickycaly,
Hams do the oddest things for no reason at all, I don't think there isn't anything to worry about.
Be gentle with him when you handle him even if he tries to bite you he may be just exploring, give him time..

[Piebald]

Sounds like he is settling in nicely. Hamsters are actually dusk and dawn risers although often referred to as nocturnal that is strictly not correct. They can also be little monkeys climbing on everything they can find. The latter behaviour can be dangerous due to falls so just be sure any heights have a soft landing or a protective shelf to guard against injury. To transport him with less stress use a tube or mug. Hamsters cannot resist a tunnel so will go in the tube and you can block off the ends with your hands and safely move him back to his cage. Or put a treat in it or a mug and same thing.
What cage do you have?

[Nickycaly]

Thank you Rads I remember now that I had grapefruit scented soap on at the time of the bite as well, andf definitely learned real fast to purchase unscented.
Piebald-He really is. He LOVES is Wodent well omg! I will definitely get a shelf to comfort a fall. Perfect, as this morning I used sunflower seeds in the mug to transport him back. I included my cage I have, and this is the one I'll be purchasing. Thank you both for your replies Amazon.com : Lixit Animal Care Savic Mickey 2 Mice and Swarf Hamster Cage, X-Large : Birdcages : Pet Supplies

[Nickycaly]

A photo of my current cage

[pinkneon]

Oooh the new cage looks nice, but I think you may need to take out the metal shelf? Someone else will know for sure. I was just thinking, is the play area bigger than the cage? Was thinking if it was that maybe that was why he didn't want to go back?

[AmityvilleHams]

Originally Posted by Nickycaly

A photo of my current cage

Seems a bit small to me.I'm guessing it's probably US minimum or less so therefore since you said six inches off 354 square inches,which is actually 96 square inches off the current 450 square inch minimum.However,that minimum is ridiculously small when considering the space that hamsters scientifically need and what they would actually have in the wild.

[Piebald]

I see you do need an upgrade
I also think that one is still too small. I know your options are more limited in the USA but there are some good cages out there. I say don't rush into it, have a good look around the forum for ideas, you don't want to end up having to get another one! Plenty of peeps here have that tale to tell! I'll try to find some links for you. I think virtualkeith found a good cage-- he got all the good stuff! I'll see if I can find his thread about it-- it wasn't straight forward iirc.

[AmityvilleHams]

Definitely check out Amazon,Walmart,and other online retailers.Walmart does have some decent cages but they're not necessarily the best for substrate but size wise you can get a relatively acceptable cage.Amazon could have international sellers and therefore you may find a cage from a different country which could help,but there is also Ebay where you might end up being able to find a UK hamster cage.In terms of cost,I would say that a good sized cage will not likely cost less than 50 dollars US and that's being very careful and using cheap materials to make a DIY cage.

[Piebald]

Ok here found it!
See if this helps!
Marchioro Goran 82 cage on Vekto 82 stand

ETA here is his full tale
Mr. Carlisle's Thread

Annnnd here's some good info about wheels in the USA
Wheels fit for a Syrian