Strange New Hamster Habit

Question
My long-haired Syrian, Napster, has recently taken to sleeping beside his litterbox. The first time I saw him, I thought he was dead (he NEVER sleeps anywhere but in his igloo). I tapped the side of the cage. Nothing. But I could see him breathing. I lifted the top of the bin cage and said his name a few times. Nothing. So I reach in, very slowly and very softly touch his back. He jerked upward and screeched at the same time, and looked like he was poised to defend himself.

Now, Napster was an abused hamster before I came to own him (roughly handled, dropped, "rolled" in his ball), so he's super sensitive to....well, humans. He is never, ever active when there are people around.

So sleeping practically "out in the open" is a definate change in behavior that has me concerned. Any insight?

And just so you know, he's two years old. He's also been a bit more wobbly as of late, and someone mentioned that it might be a stroke and/or inner ear infection. Have you had any experience with that? He's had no other health problems, aside from the occassional "sticky eye".

Answer
Hampsters very frequently change positions in where they sleep. Mine found the wierdest places to sleep even when there were nice hidey houses in there. He probabally has just realized that you aren't going to hurt him and doesn't feel the need to hide. He may also have been sleeping outside of his igloo while you were asleep without you knowing. I wouldn't be concerned as it doesn't sound like anything is really wrong with your hammie. Good luck!!!

Blake