Hi guys!
I recently got a robo hammy with an initial intention to foster him and find a new good home.
He was very scared, which is understandable, but also from day one he would run super fast in tiny circles. It's been 4 days and it seems that he is a bit calmer now but he still does that.
So I was wondering if this is indeed some neurological disorder or he is just too stressed?
Background info I know about him:
- about 5-6 months old
- purchased with his brother but - surprise - they started fighting
- lived in a tiny cage, with a tiny wheel, no substrate, sand or toys
- the diet was plain and lacked protein
- the family who owned him also has a child who wasn't particularly gentle with the hammy
Current setup:
- As it was supposed to be a temporary housing, the cage is on a smaller side (50x80cm) and a bit bare to my standards (feeling very bad about it now
)
- 20 cm of Aspen+carefresh bedding in the biggest part of the cage
- Sand bath, wheel, three hides, one tunnel, a few chew toys
Some positive dynamics I'm seeing compared to days 1-2:
- He learned to use his sand bath!
- and started to use his wheel
- also, I saw him burrowing a bit
- He does eat both his seed mix and veggies
After observing him, I was pretty sure it was neurological, but also thinking maybe the setup is just too boring fir him? WDYT?
Here's a video of his behaviour
VID_20210706_233306.mp4 - Google Drive
Stress, something neurological or maybe boredom?
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