Run Time Changes

[hamburrito]

I am a newer Hamster owner and have noticed changes in my hamster's running pattern. My Hamster is about 8 and a half months old. I've had him for about a month and a half. Last night, my hamster ran 2300 wheel rotations rather than his usual 7000-11000 wheel rotations. I did add a water bottle to his enclosure 2 days ago, though his first night with it, he ran a normal 9000 rotations; only the second night did this drop. Since I got him, he has done this around 3 times for one night at a time, and he returned to running his normal lengths after. Is this something I should pay closer attention to? Should I reach out to his vet immediately? Should I only worry if he does this multiple nights in a row? All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Maz]

Hello. I can understand worrying, but before the gadgets to record their circuits, we didn't know such things I just have a hamstercam. I think I would be concerned if the hamster didn't use the wheel at all but maybe not so much if he's just using it less. He may have been doing a lot of foraging that night or something. I think as they get older they don't run on it quite so long all night as well. Sometimes they sit looking out of the front of the enclosure for ages or demolishing a chew stick for ages.

Maybe just keep an eye on it, as it might fluctuate. Does he seem well and fine in himself and active? Also do you have a hamstercam?

First thing I check is to see if the wheel is blocked, jammed or spinning ok - that might be something to check as well.

 

[hamburrito]

Hello. I can understand worrying, but before the gadgets to record their circuits, we didn't know such things I just have a hamstercam. I think I would be concerned if the hamster didn't use the wheel at all but maybe not so much if he's just using it less. He may have been doing a lot of foraging that night or something. I think as they get older they don't run on it quite so long all night as well. Sometimes they sit looking out of the front of the enclosure for ages or demolishing a chew stick for ages.

Maybe just keep an eye on it, as it might fluctuate. Does he seem well and fine in himself and active? Also do you have a hamstercam?

First thing I check is to see if the wheel is blocked, jammed or spinning ok - that might be something to check as well.

Thank you for your helpful response!

Yes, I do have a hamster camera, and that night, he went in his multi-chamber hide until after he usually would be finished with the wheel before running a little and going back in his other multichamber hide he prefers for the day . I appreciate the reminder we didn't know how long they ran until very recently. I try to remind myself of this, but still get caught up in the anxiety of being a new owner.

He does seem active and normal other than that. I also checked his wheel first thing this morning, as I thought of a jam as well, and it was fine.

I'll continue to keep an eye on it for sure! I have such detailed notes on everything that changes ,I kinda laugh about it lol.

 

[Maz]

We all get very anxious about our little hammies I had a major worry a few weeks ago when I saw my two year old hamster hadn't used his wheel at all for a couple of nights. He just needed some metacam for possible arthritis and he's out and about more now, but still not really using his wheel.

I seem to remember from nightcam footage in the past, that they tend to settle into a routine. Forage, then nap, bit of wheel running, then sometimes quite a long nap, then foraging again early hours of the morning. But I know what you mean, if he's used to running on it most of the night you wonder what the change is. I'd check the nightcam footage the next day in case the pedometer is faulty!

 

[Socks' Mum]

Welcome to the forum There is no harm in taking hammy to the vet for a general check up and to establish his baseline data. He sounds like a normal, active little fellow. Other factors, such as the room temperature and how much dinner he has had could affect his wheel time. Or he could just feel more settled and relaxed generally. It is good to learn how to health check hammy, if you are not doing this already, about once a week once he is settled and you have started taming with him. Is he tame enough to handle? What is his name ? He sounds like he is having a nice time in his new cage

 

[hamburrito]

We all get very anxious about our little hammies I had a major worry a few weeks ago when I saw my two year old hamster hadn't used his wheel at all for a couple of nights. He just needed some metacam for possible arthritis and he's out and about more now, but still not really using his wheel.

I seem to remember from nightcam footage in the past, that they tend to settle into a routine. Forage, then nap, bit of wheel running, then sometimes quite a long nap, then foraging again early hours of the morning. But I know what you mean, if he's used to running on it most of the night you wonder what the change is. I'd check the nightcam footage the next day in case the pedometer is faulty!

I checked the pedometer, and it seems to be working normally. It has miscounted in the past, though, so thank you for this suggestion! And based on his activity on the camera, it adds up. He ran more last night than he did in my previous post, around 5000 rotations. I am going to continue to keep an eye on this for sure!

 

[hamburrito]

Welcome to the forum There is no harm in taking hammy to the vet for a general check up and to establish his baseline data. He sounds like a normal, active little fellow. Other factors, such as the room temperature and how much dinner he has had could affect his wheel time. Or he could just feel more settled and relaxed generally. It is good to learn how to health check hammy, if you are not doing this already, about once a week once he is settled and you have started taming with him. Is he tame enough to handle? What is his name ? He sounds like he is having a nice time in his new cage

Thank you! I have already taken Hammy to the vet last week, which is why I am being a little cautious about rushing back. I will probably reach out to them today, though, just to be safe. I will watch his food intake to see if it has changed. I scatter feed him in the morning, so it's a little difficult to know how much he eats in his hide. I do perform a health check weekly, though it's in a measuring cup, as he will gladly sit in my hand for treats, but doesn't like being held to look at his scent gland on his stomach. His name is Hamithy, he's a hybrid dwarf, and he definitely seems to be enjoying himself in his new home

 

[Socks' Mum]

Love his name, Hamithy, very sweet

 

[Maz]

He sounds like he's doing fine to me It'll only stress him taking him to the vet again. If he's eating and drinking and active he's fine