New Hamster and lots of questions!

[Jadetooth]

Hi everyone,

I'm high risk so minimising social contact. I just got a hamster today from the pet shop as they were able to give it to me keeping long distance and doing all the questionnaire over the phone. I now have a beautiful male syrian hamster!

I have:
Alaska cage, two small houses, one big house, burrow box, two water bottles, kaytee clean and cosy paper bedding and Burgess food.

Question 1:
Unfortunately I hadn't read about the advice to not change their diet immediately, and it says they were previously fed on Hamster Mix. What should I do? I have a big bag of Harry food being delivered in theory tomorrow. What problems will I get if I change food instantly (which I now basically have to do)?

Question 2:
His right eye is slightly gummed shut - I think from reading I should clean it with cotton wool, but want to leave him for 48 hours to get used to the cage first. Do you agree?

Question 3:
He is in my living room where I am now working from home and listening to music. Do you think this will disturb him and I should use headphones?

Question 4:
What is the ideal temperature for a syrian hamster? My heating is currently on a timer so it goes to 23 deg in evenings and drops to 19 deg in daytime. Shall I make it 23 all the time?

Thanks so much everyone

Hopefully my attachment worked.

[cypher]

Harry Hamster food isn't that different to the food usually given in P@H so that shouldn't be a problem.

His eye will probably be ok, he should be able to clean it himself but do keep a watch on it just in case it does need some intervention, if you can avoid cleaning it I would as that might be a bit much for him when you just brought him home, if it gets worse or doesn't clear then do consider bathing it.

Music shouldn't disturb him as long as it's not really loud, he'll soon get used to normal household noises.

19c is plenty warm enough, 18-21c is a good temp range to keep your room within, 23c should be ok too though.