Hamster scared in cage but fine outside.

[Msurfleet]

Hi

We have a 13 week old male syrian hamster.
We have followed all the rules for settling him in. we have interacted with him on a daily bases. but the issue is that he avoids coming out when we are in the room, and also is very jumpy when we approach the cage, or put our hands in, he will take treats from us nervously. He isn't aggressive, and has not bitten or attempted to bite.
The strange thing is that once we coax him into his ball to get him out to interact he is a different hamster he is fine if a little fidgety to handle, but doesn't jump like he does in his cage.
Could there be something wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Msurfleet]

P.S. I forgot to say we have had him almost 9 weeks!

[Cinnamon Bear]

Hi, maybe he looks at his cage as his property, his home & maybe your hands makes him nervous. It could go away with time. I'd probably would continue to give him treats but not leave your hands in his cage. Then just interact with him outside of his home:) it's good he likes interaction out of his cage though rather than being nervous all the time.

Sounds like you are doing well:)

[Fluffagrams]

This sounds fairly similar to an issue I've had with a couple of my Chinese Hamsters. Can you see his cage without approaching it too closely? If so how does he react when you're not around?

What kind of cage does he have and what toys/shelters do you have in there for him? As prey animals hamsters (particularly ones who are still quite young) can sometimes feel a little bit vulnerable in a larger cage and might appreciate a little bit of extra coverage. You don't have to spend loads to do this as you can find some great things such as egg boxes, teabag boxes around the home that you can add in for him to play and there are also ways in which you can add in platforms and hammocks too.

[Msurfleet]

This sounds fairly similar to an issue I've had with a couple of my Chinese Hamsters. Can you see his cage without approaching it too closely? If so how does he react when you're not around?

What kind of cage does he have and what toys/shelters do you have in there for him? As prey animals hamsters (particularly ones who are still quite young) can sometimes feel a little bit vulnerable in a larger cage and might appreciate a little bit of extra coverage. You don't have to spend loads to do this as you can find some great things such as egg boxes, teabag boxes around the home that you can add in for him to play and there are also ways in which you can add in platforms and hammocks too.


Hi Thank you for all your replies!

I Have this cage - The Grosvenor Large Rat Hamster Mouse cage with Wooden Shelf + Ladder RRP £64.99 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301362200063?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

with a large 11" wheel and a wooden hamster cottage from pets at home. He has several hideaways, but prefers to stay in this cottage. He is hoarding lots of food and using the house as a toilet, but also uses the sand bath in the corner to urinate too. But mostly he stays in his cottage and only come out very late into the night when we are either not around or very very quiet.

[Lexieshamster]

Hi Msurfleet - I agree with Cinnamon Bear in that he sees his cage as his territory. It's a bit like us humans really - we would jump if we suddenly saw a stranger in our house but out on the street we are fine with it. So when out of his cage he's prepared for interaction but not when in it. There's nothing wrong and many hamsters are nervous when you put your hand in their cage - especially young hamsters who don't know you that well yet.

I would avoid putting your hand in his cage unless you have to - let him know it's his safe place. Using the ball to get him out is a good idea. If you do have to put your hand in the cage then always remember that he can't see very well and will recognize you by your scent and the sound of your voice. So sit by his cage for a minute and talk to him softly before slowly putting your hand in. He will know it's you then and will soon learn that you won't harm him and so won't be scared.

Hope this helps!