Blocked up his tube

[HarryB]

Hiya, we just got a new hamster on Sunday who's approx 8 weeks old. We have given him treats with our hands and my son have stroked him a little tonight. I noticed today that he had blocked up his tube that takes him up a floor to his wheel (which he has been using alot). I unblocked it but he has re-stuffed it with loads of bedding. Can anyone explain why he might of done this. Thanks

[Locket]

Seems he chose to use his tube as his nest.

Does he have a little hut or house that he can nest in instead?

[Hope]

This is quite common - they do it as its a tight small space and it makes them feel secure. However, nesting in tubes is not really ideal - it can get hot and stuffy and damp if they decided to pee in there, this can lead to health problems.

It is generally recommended that all tubes are removed untill your hamster is tame - it is difficult to tame a hamster that keeps hiding in the tubes where he knows you cant get to him!! So I would say, block the tubes off for a while, and give him chance to establish another nest, this can be an open nest just with lots of bedding or with an open bottomed house or box - which is much better for him than stuffy tubes. Once he is settled and nice and tame you can re attach the tubes.

[HarryB]

Thank you for the advise, I will take the tube away. He has got two others place he can nest and he has gone for the wooden house tonight.