Chinese Hamster behavior questions

RenQueen · 05-31-2016, 09:10 PM

I have two questions I can't seem to find the answers to. First is about my little Chinese boy. Marvin likes to put food in his wheel then run. It sounds like a rattle and it's so loud! Why does he do this? Second, my female Chinese Mimi seems to be very mellow, but I'm not sure. She's fairly new, and during handling sessions she's nervous about being picked up but once in my hand if I'm still she'll fall asleep. She's still a little shaky, but I've never had a hamster just fall asleep on my hand before. Is she calm or is this her being nervous still?

cypher · 05-31-2016, 10:45 PM

Putting food in the wheel is quite normal, it can get really loud lol!
Sometimes they just want to snack on the run other times they may want to put some food in a safe place that is most definitely theirs & the wheel is certainly that, especially when it's been well peed in, another thing Chinese hams love to do

They seem to do it more when they are younger & grow out of it but if you can stand the noise just leave him to it & let him sort it out.
I think you maybe rushing things a bit with Mimi if you've only had her a few days, give her some time to settle in quietly.
The girls are normally a bit more hyper than the boys so I am a little surprised by her behaviour, she may just be nervous but I would keep a close eye on her to be sure she is healthy & keep her well away from Marvin.

Ceretrea · 05-31-2016, 10:56 PM

Keep an eye on your girl. It could be a stress behaviour like freezing or it could be an underlying health problem. She how she settles in. Some girls can be calm but not normally that calm especially when young/new.

Your boy, however, is typical :P They can also toilet in their wheel and then run in it :P

souffle · 06-01-2016, 03:11 AM

I do find they tend to freeze when they are nervous. We have a new little girlie Chinese recently and she seems much more busy and active than our more laid back male Chinese. I do like her busy buzziness though. She is fun to watch and she is also quite nosy and will come and sniff your hand and she is happy to be handled too.