running down the tube

joe14 · 04-01-2008, 08:23 AM

I bought zuke an imac and it arrived yesterday and he runs around all over enjoying all the space but everytime he hears a noise he runs streight down the tubes and if i open the round things at the top he just runs out of his bedding area, before in his habitrail when i opened the ''attic'' he used to sit there...
I dont know whats wrong with him, i wonder if he needs more time settling in.

Holly · 04-01-2008, 08:33 AM

I expect he's just nervous and making a run for it, Joe - it is very new to him and, I would think, a bit more open than the Habitrail he used to live in (though I don't know what type it was, of course).

Most hamster do settle into new cages in time though I have heard of the odd one who won't tolerate a particular type of cage at all (ie they hate tanks or wire cages) and have to be moved back. But it's early days yet, just let him settle a bit longer, maybe.

Does he have some familliar smelling toys and some of his old bedding in with him as that might help?

joe14 · 04-01-2008, 09:14 AM

yes ive put some of the woodshavings in what was in his old cage and he also has some old toys in there too, its just in the habitrail he seemed so laid back and now just makes a run for it when he hears anything.

Gust0o · 04-01-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

I expect he's just nervous and making a run for it, Joe

This was Harry's favourite past-time, before he was really socialised! It's a very natural reaction from a very nervous animal

Basia · 04-01-2008, 01:23 PM

I wouldn't worry too much Joe, he only changed cages yesterday. I find it takes them a few days to get used to a new cage, it is quite stressful for them to move cage so although he will benefit in the long-term, he is probably a bit stressed at the moment. He will soon settle in.

Edited to say: Hamsters can open those round things in the roof from inside Joe. I put a bit of sellotape on mine just to stop them turning.

sarahh · 04-01-2008, 05:05 PM

Hi Joe I agree I wouldn't worry to much about it, he needs time to get used to his new cage he probably like making a dart for it up the tubes. I had a crittertrail for one of our hams ages ago but ended up getting rid of it as we didn't feel it was suitable for our hams and took alot of cleaning out. Muffin used to make a dash up one of the tubes making it very difficult to get him out.