Hi all. We picked up our Syrian hamster 2 days ago from a house that breeds them as a hobby. I didn't want to buy one from a pet shop as I know they come from breeding mills and are not as used to human interaction etc. Our hamster was therefore raised in a house with a family and used to being held etc. When we picked him up, the lady who was selling him picked him up with ease and he didn't flinch at all. We placed him in his cage and he seemed ok and was having a wonder around. We know to leave him settle for a few days as it's scary and new, but I'm a bit concerned as whenever we walk into the room he either freezes, hides or tries to climb the cage as if he's trying to escape (he has a large cage with everything he needs). Is this normal behaviour to begin with? Obviously I've read that monkey barring is a sign of distress/stress so its not nice to see :-( Will he settle down in a few days? Has anyone been through this? We want to start the taming process soon, but don't want to freak him out even more! I thought that getting him from a house would mean he'd be more familiar with living with a family etc.
I would love some advice as panicky first time owner here!
Thanks!
I would love some advice as panicky first time owner here!
Thanks!