New guy settling in

[Ralph the hamster]

We were running errands and found ourselves at the pet store. This little guy came over to the glass and put his hands up and well obviously he's the one.
I am a little worried because I startled him as he was settling in and he froze for a while. He's close enough to the top and side that I could see he was breathing and opening and closing his eyes, and I gently moved some bedding to see if he was still giving off heat (shock/cold) and he scooted away from me so I left the room. So far no sign of him on the camera but when I peeked into the room earlier he had turned so his booty was toward the side of the cage.
When do I worry? We planned on leaving him alone for days as recommended and then I went and scared the guy.

 

[elusive]

He really is gorgeous & very cute.
Spooking them now & then when they’re new is easily done but I’m sure he’ll soon get over that so don’t worry.
Look forward to seeing more of him once he’s settled in.

 

[Member ID2]

Don't worry, hamsters can spook quite easily especially when new.
They come out of it by themselves and it doesn't harm them.
He's a lovely looking and very lucky little boy.

 

[RainbowBrite]

What a beautiful hamster.

 

[Maz]

He's absolutely gorgeous. He chose you - he looks bright eyed and healthy. And it's perfectly natural, after what happened last time, to feel worried at first. It's very tough when a previous hamster died unexpectedly. All I can say is, you should be able to relax about this in the next week or so as you see he continues to be a healthy baby hamster. He is a baby and will be very easily scared and skittish for the next few days at least. As long as his bit of veg has gone each morning, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Maz]

Looking forward to seeing some nightcam footage of what he gets up to at night At the moment I'd suggest just talking to him through the cage and no hands.

 

[Ralph the hamster]

Looking forward to seeing some nightcam footage of what he gets up to at night At the moment I'd suggest just talking to him through the cage and no hands.

He did come up and eat a bit at around 1145. I spent some time chatting to him outside his cage this evening but he's still in Stealth Mode... you're right; extra nervous about it since Ralph passed so quick. The boy is pretty sure the new guy's name is Frank The Tank after I suggested JJ Frankie JJ (and if you get that reference we are best friends). Frank was so happy to meet us at the store that I'm taking it harder that he's hiding now, and the boy is more like no he loves me he's just confused . I feel like since Ralph was sick we didn't really learn much about healthy hamsters. Do I wait for him to come out every night? Or go back in there when the camera alerts me? Or just leave him alone a few more days? The anxiety lol.
Attaching his hijinks so far, but I didn't screen record when he fell over trying to eat a spray and then looked around like it was someone else's fault

 

[elusive]

He looks really cute peeking out there!
I can imagine how anxious you must be feeling but I’m sure everything will be fine, it can take them anything up to a couple of weeks to really settle in & make themselves at home, during that time I just chat to them when I’m by the cage, often leaving a treat after talking to them but without actually disturbing them, otherwise just leave him to it, he should begin to get comfortable with your voice & presence around the cage in that time then he’ll grow in confidence & you can begin to interact with him.