First waking up moods?

[RodentLove]

Herman is generally mostly tame. I let him go on my hand and he'll let me lift him up. He will without hesitation take food from my kids' hands and enjoy his toys when we are doing our own thing.

The issue...
I've noticed several times when I get home (and settled in) from work each day I spot clean Herman's cage. This action usually wakes him up and I could see him walking around with his ears flattened. I would leave Herman alone while I do my thing. Eventually it became part of our routine, so today I put my hand by him. He sniffed my hand and walked on it but then went to hide under his wheel. I brought my other hand close to him, and he sniffed it and bit down hard (not to break the skin but hard enough to say he means business).

My question:

Is Herman a grump when he first wakes up? I know hamsters have moods. Could this be one of them?

[cypher]

I've never noticed them being grumpy when they wake of their own accord but generally they just don't like being woken up which is probably why he seems a bit moody.
When he moved away to hide under his wheel he had shown he didn't want to interact which would be why he bit you.
If you do have to wake him for any reason give him some time before doing anything or interacting, it might be better to spot clean after he wakes at his normal time rather than waking him up.

[RodentLove]

Okay ty for the help!

[CMB]

If you wait until his ears are up. Then he is wide awake and less likely to be grumpy.

[RodentLove]

That makes sense. Thanks.