New Hammy, New to this Board!

[andrea82]

Hi, I am new to this messageboard!

I bought a hamster yesterday. A long haired teddy bear hamster which I believe is a male. In the past I've had 2 dwarf hamsters that got along great. Unfortunately they passed away due to old age. I currently have 2 cats and I really want to get 2 chinchillas. (I used to have 2 girl chinchillas.. theyre are fabulous pets!)

Anyways, my question is regarding this new hamster. He doesn't move, I have barely seen him eat. He doesn't seem to care if we try to pet him or put our hand near him. He's kinda lethargic. Since I did not have this problem with my dwarfies I'm wondering if it is common? How can I get him to be active & happy?
I'm not used to having solitary animals so this is new to me.

Any input would be appreciated! : ) :valentine

[HammysRme]

Its just their personalities... syrians (to me) are calmer than dwafes. Some syrians are really active and others are just laid back...

[Zouave]

Welcome!

I have had very many Syrians, and most striking was their different personalities.
Although yours seems so lethargic I'd be worried about some illness. He does eat, right?

[Pantamallion]

But.. it's a teddy bear hamster... :confused: ....Have you tried tempting him withy tasty treats? Have you tried picking him up and cuddling him? It's probbaly best to let him get settled in. He might just be a little unsettled to this new envornment. But on that note, again, see if the treats will work :) ;) :p :D

[Araithica]

teddy bear (long haired or not) = Syrian. They are the same thing. I was lucky with my new little guy, he was already tame and lovable.

Just be patient with your hammy, believe me I know how hard that is.. But when you interact with your hamster, make it positive for the animal and it will begin to associate you with fun. Remember: Rewards are more effective than punishments!! (harsh punishments such as hitting or spanking only teach the victim Voilence!) So always love your animals :)

I am sure your little hammy will love you in no time!

Good Luck!

[andrea82]

my hammy died !

since i just got him last week i'm guessing he was sick at the store. i'm going to call petco tomorrow and tell them. and then i am never buying a hamster there ever again : ( im so sad.

:bawling: :sad: :bawling: :sad: :bawling: :sad:

[Jiffykat]

I am sorry for your loss, that sucks when pets die. I found one of my male bettas, Vilencio, dead in his tank today. I would be heart broken if my gerbs died. I guess Vilencio dying isn't as bad because it isn't as easy to get so attached to fishies.

[CatieCats]

Oh my gosh! I can believe that they sold you a sick hamster! I don't like petco at all!I am so sorry for your loss!

[elephant]

I was sold a sick hamster too and am still trying to nurse him back. I am so sorry for your loss. Good luck if you plan to find another.

[TiaMaria]

I hope u reconsider and get another hammie, petco is an alright place to buy hammies, i have never heared of a sick hammie being sold there, i am terribly sorry for your loss!

[andrea82]

im debating on getting another one at the moment.

its so sad because my cats still think there is a hammy in his empty cage and just sit, and sit, and sit, and sit, and sit waiting for him to make some noise!!

[yodelinghamster]

Same thing happened to me! It was very depressing! I'd found the PERFECT hammy then slow she became what you descibed... (Would type more about how great she was, but I broke my arm..

[o0sapphirerat0o]

Try to find a breeder, look at your closest shelter, or in the "pets" section of your newspapr or the "free for the taking" in the news paper. You would be amazed at what is nearby.

I don't purchase animals from petstores. Because no matter how good a pet store "seems", you don't know what is going on in the back.