new hamster need help

[yoshiko]

So yesterday I bought a Chinese Dwarf Hamster. This is not the first Chinese Dwarf that I've own he is my 3rd one. But this one is very very shy compare to my other two. And I know that he is only two days old in my house and that he needs time to adjust. But I do have some questions as this hamster behaves in a way I've never seen before.

1.) He doesn't seem to know how to use the water bottle. I am not sure how to train him to use it or if he figures it out on his own. He does know a small water dish at least

2.) Haven't seen him use the wheel not sure if trained he did have one in his cage at the store and employee saids he used it (wired 5.5 wheel). Is it because of his new surrounds that makes him not want to use it? or that he has a different wheel (silent spinner 6.5) which I do know that 8.5 is better but when he gets in the wheel (at least he sits in it) he seems too small for it.

I do check on him once in morning and evening and know not to bother him too much. I do this is to make sure there is nothing wrong with him. I don't want to sound like I don't have a clue because I've had 4 other ones before him but he is the first to do some of this stuff. I just might be overreacting but making sure I am doing what's best for him.

btw I don't call him by a name yet because we are still picking out a name for him. Usually we try to pick it based on personality. so far we are thinking

- Milo

- Jebediah

- Bello

[CMB]

Put the water bowl under the water bottle. He should soon work out how to use the bottle.

He should also work out how to use his wheel. Put some substrate on top of the wheel if the wheel has been used it shouldn't be there when you look later or first thing in the morning.
He could be just settling in.

[Cinnamon Bear]

I had a real young Chinese hamster before who I never saw using the water bottle for days and I was really worried so I had her checked and her skin was fine, she was not dehydrated. So chances are that your new Chinesey is drinking at night. Sometimes they will use the wheel after all the lights are turned off. Like CMB says put bedding on top of his wheel to see if he is running on it?

[Pebbles82]

Good advice about the water bottle issue. As you say it is only a couple of days, so in a few days time he might be more settled in. You could put a treat in the wheel That sometimes tempts them in. He's probably just a bit disorientated and working out what's what - it takes a few days and their personalities vary. He sounds like a type who would like a nice dark house to retreat to - if you have something like that. A cardboard box upside down on the substrate with a hole cut in is a good option (eg a shoe box).

I would avoid trying to handle him for a few days and just talk to him gently through the cage, then start offering him the odd treat. I know you've had hamsters before but as you say he seems like a shy one

[yoshiko]

so here is a quick update.

I've moved the water dish to under the water bottle still haven't seem him use it but still use the bowl.

but last night I did hear him in the wheel which makes me happy. I think it was cause he was use to those wire wheels.

He does let me pick him up, he sits still in my hands a little nervous but isn't distressed. I was told he came from a breeder who handled him. Though I was told he was 6 months old, I don't think he is. He is so tiny that I am thinking he is at least 2-3 months maybe younger...

Here is a photo of him in the wheel still no name yet

[Pebbles82]

He is adorable! He does look like a baby, so either you're right and he's younger or he's just a very small hamster - maybe a runt. Either way, go slowly and patiently with him and I'm sure he will build in confidence gradually

[Jasmine2016]

He is adorable, maybe as he is so small how about:
Pipsqueak for a name?

[cypher]

He's gorgeous! Totally adorable, he does look tiny but some just are, they can vary a lot.
My boy uses a water bowl, he had a bottle in the shop but I gave him a choice & he chose the bowl so that's what he gets!