Baby hamster not eating

Question
Hi
I bought a hamster yesterday and noticed he isn't eating or drinking.  In fact did not hear him on his wheel at all last night.  He is a young long haired hamster. I am not sure of the behaviors of a young hamsters.  This is my sixth hamster and all the others were older when I purchased them and they were very active and ate and drank water from day one.  But this little guy stays in his house and never comes out.  I checked on him this morning by removing the house and of course had to move him away from the cage to put it back down and he nipped my finger.  Is the reason he is in inactive and not eating and drinking because he is scared or because of his age?  Or should I be concerned that he is ill?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Heather,

Since it has been a day since you brought your hamster home, he should be eating and drinking.  He may indeed be frightened, especially because of his age.  Try placing a small pile of food in front of his house.  Also, give him a small piece of a water-rich fruit or vegetable, such as a cucumber.

Make sure to not touch your hamster for a day or so.  It's recommended that when you bring a new hamster home, you shouldn't touch it for 48 hours, so that it will have a chance to get used to its new environment.  Also, make sure that your new hamster is 6-8 weeks old when you buy him.

If your hamster still isn't eating or drinking by tomorrow, you should take him to a vet, as dehydration can quickly set in, and he will become ill.

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

Kelly