Do hamsters need a wheel, or is a ball enough for nightly exercise?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to PetCoach. These are very good questions and it is thoughtful of you to ask these prior to obtaining a hamster. I've attached a link that is very helpful in explaining certain hamsters that live well together and special care instructions. I hope this is helpful! https://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/hamsters/getting_a_hamster/keeping_more_than_one

Pompie is probably not as active as usual because of his new surroundings. Hamsters can be very prone to stress when their environment abruptly changes. He is most likely being more active when he is home alone and at night time because he feels safer. Since he is eating and drinking normally, I would not be too concerned. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Unfortunately yes, it can be very common for hamsters that are housed together to start fighting. This can occur even if the hamsters have always been together. I would recommend keeping them separated for a couple days and then trying to re-introduce them again like you did last night. Hopefully they will be able to get along with each other in the long run. If not, to keep them safe, you'll have to keep them separated. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

I believe a larger wheel makes more sense. If Nala barely fits the 7 inch ball, how should she fit into a smaller wheel? If the wheel is too small she may not want to use it as she would have to bend her body in an unnatural way in order to run in it. The bigger the wheel the better.

That poses a particular problem but I am glad to hear that it has resolved. i would recommend keeping a good eye on your hamster for recurrence of problems. I would be worried about some type of spinal trauma, such as a back injury or stroke. It is encouraging that it has resolved but keep an eye on the situation. Hamster balls can be good exercise but is probably not for every hamster. If you think it is more stressful, don't put him in it. There are hamster wheels that are open and might be less stressful.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Mites are typically transmitted via close contact and occasionally things like bedding and soft toys. I recommend d keeping both hamsters separated, but different rooms may not be necessary as long as they do not share toys or bedding/nesting material. You should be careful to wash your hands and consider changing clothing to prevent the spread of mites from one hamster to the other. I hope this helps!

Hamsters definitely love to run on wheels. This does not necessarily mean they are not interested in human interaction. Potko may just be a little apprehensive about his new relationship with his owner, in this case, you. Even if he resists, I would suggest taking him out of the cage a little bit every day and handling him. Offer him treats and toys to play with so that he associates you with something positive. Eventually, he will understand that you are a friend. I would increase interaction with him little by little every day. Do not start with hours of interaction immediately. This will shock Potko a little too much.