Syrian Hamster - not sleeping!

Question
Hello there
Having done lots of research I bought my hamster just yesterday.  Nice big cage, house, bedding, food, water etc.  He spent so many hours on the wheel I assumed it was possibly stress related.  He pulled some of the bedding out of the house and put it in a corner of the main cage area.   I peeked at his cage this morning and, he's still awake and walking around!   Is this normal for the firt few days in his new home or there something I can do to help the poor little thing?

Answer
Hi Kay,

Yes, this behavior is very normal.  In fact, I would be worried if he were sleeping a lot - that would indicate illness.  Right now, since your hamster is so new, he's very stressed.  He's having to become accustomed to a new environment, complete with new sights, sounds, and smells.  It's all quite frightening to him, and he's full of nervous energy.

To reduce his stress, keep him in a quiet room.  Also, try not to handle him for the next 24-48 hours.  Not handling your new hamster for a 2-day period will help him get used to his new environment.  So, when you do begin handling him, he'll be calmer with you.

Good luck with your new arrival, and have a great long weekend!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly