Why is my new hamster suddenly sleeping after cage cleaning?

Thanks for reaching out about Little Buddy. He could be scared or ill. Does he appear to have maintained weight? If he is not using the wheel and the cage is too small, take the wheel out to give him more room. Monitor food intake and defecation. If concerns continue, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Its hard to say if Pepper is sick without more information. You are correct that most hamsters are active at night time. They usually like to run in their little wheels and scurry about the cage. You need to watch for any signs of diarrhea or wetness around the rectum. When Pepper is awake, are his eyes open or half closed? Is the food being moved around? Many hamsters pack the food to their nest to eat later. Also, offer the pellets as well as the seed mixture. When he is awake, is he active? Most pet stores have a health warranty on their little critters. If you are seeing signs of illness, call the store to ask about having Pepper checked out.

I am sorry to hear about Chip. We do worry about parasites like skin mites in hamsters. We could also have an allergy or irritation due to bedding. I would recommend removing all bedding and cleaning his cage thoroughly and replacing with a scent free paper bedding (such as Carefresh). If the itching continues, I would recommend making an appointment for him to be check out by a veterinarian. Good luck!

Keep the cage clean and warm. Keep him as stress free as possible. Stress plays a large role in illness or infection in hamsters. Discontinue feeding any fruits or treats until his stool is normal. If he doesn't begin to improve in a day or two, then he should be seen by your veterinarian.

Hi, This is a difficult one to answer without seeing the behavior or at least a clip. If he is otherwise well, eating and maintaining weight then he us probably fine, but if still in doubt - a visit to the vet is recommended.

If she will allow, check her teeth for overgrowth or misalignment. Make sure her cage is warm enough and away from high traffic areas, strong drafts/vibrations and loud noises. Monitor for loose droppings, lethargy and a decreased appetite. Although most hamsters are more active at night, this may simply be her personality. An exam with your veterinarian is always recommended to make sure she isn't sick or injured.

These signs could be signs that Cookie is not feeling well but it could also be a sign of aging. Hamsters typically live about 2 years so Cookie is middle aged and slowing down is normal. monitor his eating and drinking very closely. If he is showing signs of illness, find a veterinarian who sees pocket pets. Please post again if you have any further questions.