My hamster uses wheel a lot less

[cassie]

I am worry about my hammy, Pumpkin, is now 7 months. She has a niteangel 28" wheel with the pedometer. Pumpkin used to run more than 6,xxx round every night but the last week she just runs a few hundreds.

Is it because of the weather? Its about 65 degree. I got her a dig box 1.5month ago, it's about 9"x10"x10" and full of beddings. She loves to burrow in the dig box, which I think can keep her warm?

She always self-grooming at the corner of her cage, is that normal? Some sites says it's because the hammy is cold or not secured.

I also post the set up of her cage of some advice.

TIA. Appreciate for any comments and advice.

 

[Maz]

Hello I think the main thing is the rest of her behaviour - does she seem happy, healthy and active and interact?

The amount of wheel running on its own isn't always a sign of anything wrong. Sometimes they just settle down with their enthusiasm for the wheel after the initial excitement. As they grow up they tend to only use at night (and not all night - they can spend time sitting washing, foraging etc, and just have bursts on the wheel).

Assume you've checked the wheel is working ok?

I'm not familiar with that enclosure, and it may be that it's a bit on the small side for her. Does she come out of the cage regularly? Or does she seem less active and more lethargic?

In terms of enrichment, you could maybe add some sprays and does she have chew sticks?

 

[cassie]

Thanks Maz for the advice.

I checked the wheel and is working alright. As I live in Hong Kong and her enclosure (80x50cm) is already on the large size in this city I will try to add some enrichment. Chew sticks are staple in her cage and we will bring her out maybe 2 times a week.

I reckon Pumpkin is the same hammy - happy and active. But my daughter is very worried about Pumpkin, saying that she runs way too less and sometimes Pumpkin will fall asleep in the sand bath, and Pumpkin's nails are too long... she urges me to take Pumpkin to the vet ... will report back and share with you guys after the visit

 

[Maz]

It's a good size and it used to be seen as the minimum a few years ago And yes it can be very difficult finding suitable sized cages. It is a really nice tank style cage you have. Female syrians are usually very active, so it might be she's a bit bored and regular out of cage time can help with that. Is she handleable and hand tame? If you have an area you can hamsterproof where she can free roam she may have a new lease of life! They love running around and rummaging and exploring a room. Hamsterproofing a room is essential though (and making sure people are aware she's out).

How old is she? It's often as they get older their nails get a bit long.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Welcome to the forum ❤ Having her nails trimmed might help her to run more easily. I would add a little bit of cheddar cheese to her diet, and more protein in the form of some pecan or walnut pieces a couple of times a week. She might eat tofu or tiny bits of plain chicken along with her regular hamster food. They like chopped pieces of fresh salad, celery, lettuce, cucumber and parsley or a little bit of cooked carrot or pumpkin can be good for them, just about a teaspoon full. What is her name? Your daughter looks after her well.

 

[Maz]

Sorry just saw she is 7 months old So yes diet is important and enough protein. Which hamster mix is she on? They do love their fresh veg as well and that can motivate them. I tend to alternate between broccoli, carrot, baby corn, cucumber or a blueberry. Most of them love broccoli and cucumber.

She is a bit young to be being lethargic. Are you sure she isn't running on the wheel at night? When you're all asleep. That's what most hamsters do after a certain age. Wait till all the lights go out and then have their "me time" running on the wheel on and off all night. You could try putting a bit of bedding on top of the wheel before bedtime and see if it's gone in the morning.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Sorry just saw she is 7 months old So yes diet is important and enough protein. Which hamster mix is she on? They do love their fresh veg as well and that can motivate them. I tend to alternate between broccoli, carrot, baby corn, cucumber or a blueberry. Most of them love broccoli and cucumber.

She is a bit young to be being lethargic. Are you sure she isn't running on the wheel at night? When you're all asleep. That's what most hamsters do after a certain age. Wait till all the lights go out and then have their "me time" running on the wheel on and off all night. You could try putting a bit of bedding on top of the wheel before bedtime and see if it's gone in the morning.

Hammy has a Nightangel pedometer

 

[Maz]

Oh good point! Have you done a health check recently? It's a good idea to weigh them fairly regularly to check for any major changes in weight, and while handling as usual, you can feel if there are any lumps that shouldn't be there. She is still using it though, even if less.