My hamster always sleeps!!

Question
I got my hamster about 3 months ago and she  was always active at night starting around 8-9pm but now she won't budge! She sleeps all night and day. so i tried putting her in a big plastic box with lots of bedding so she can dig insted of running. i started well she started to dig alot but after 30mins or so she would go right back to sleep! So i stated to hide her food in the bedding and she shearches for it but not alot so i'm scared that if she's too lazy to find her food she''l starve. so i did it half hidden and half in the feeding boll. Now she won't dig or run i ran out of i ideas and i'm scared for her so can you help me with my probleme i'd appretiate it alot and i thing she will too!!


Answer
Hi

Some hamsters are lazy - although it tends to be the male Syrians who seem to be the worst.

I'm sure she won't starve - she'll find the food if she is hungry.  Is there any change in her eating/drinking?  Does she look OK - i.e. is she dull looking, hunched up, or is she her usual self - glossy coat etc? Is her poo OK?  If you gently feel her abdomen - is there any sign of lumps/tumors etc?

Providing there are no obvious signs of ill health, then she might just be a lazy hamster!  Have you got an exercise ball for her?  If so, perhaps you could get her out in this in the evening for a run around - the only thing is she might decide to curl up and sleep in it!  Has she got a wheel to run in?  If so, make sure it is the larger variety - some of the small wheels that come in cages are too small for fully grown Syrians and it hurts to run in them, so they give up.  Also, make sure it is a solid wheel - i.e. not one with spokes.

Have you got an area of your house that is hamster proof?  Such as  hall way or similar.  When I've had a lazy hamster I get them out and sit with them in the hall for a while in the evening.  Block under doors/furniture etc so she can't escape and let her explore (under close supervision!).  I've never come a cross a hamster yet who doesn't like to have a wander round, smelling everything!

Good luck with this.

Regards


Regards