Our Hamster has gone nuts I think!!!

Question
Last week we bought our Zoe a new cage that has a huge inlcosed wheel on it, and we connected the new cage to the old cage. After the second day she took all her bedding from her new cage and old cage and stuffed it into this giant wheel along with all her food from her food bowl, and is now living in the wheel. She does come out for water and is pooing normally. We cleaned the cage out as we do every week, and cleaned the wheel out also put only bedding in the old cage so we could try to make her see that she needs to use the wheel only for play. Well by today she has taken and stuffed the wheel again. Is this normal? Also she used to love to be held and now she is very hyper when being held like she wants to run away and burrow. Today I went to pick her up and she bit me to the point were she drew blood. She has never been around any other hamsters, and we got her two days after christmas, do you think she may be sick. I have not noticed any problems with her eating or drinking or pooing. She is feed good food, as well as we give her many treats and fresh carrots and greens, bananas, and apples at least every other day. Please tell me she will be alright and that she is just trying to aclimate herself or that she must just feel safer in her new cage? I thank you in advance for your answers. Carla  

Answer
Hi Carla,

moving hamsters into new cages can stress the hamster. Zoe might just be trying to get acquainted with everything. Her biting you might have been an effect from the stress of moving cages. Her sleeping in an enclosed wheel is very normal, I once had a hamster who did the same thing. She seems to be comfortable there and I would let her be. I would, however, and a second wheel to the old cage so she could get some exercise done. Also, you may want to buy an enclosed bed from a pet shop in which could be an alternative sleeping area for Zoe. Basically, I would try buy another bed and another wheel, that may make Zoe more comfortable, and don't worry about her biting you. I'm sure she is not sick and she only bit you as a result of moving cages. I hope everything works out for you. GOOD LUCK!

Regards,
Sam