Hamster Help!?

Question

My family got a new hamster a couple days ago. He's having trouble warming up to us, and often spends his time sleeping and when we try to pet him he squeels and runs. The problem is, today he is letting us pet him while he sleeps. He is also cold, and does not respond to anything. He is not dead, for if I poke him or try and turn him over he'll readjust to his previous position. a few hours ago I tried picking him up and he started shaking really hard. Like to the point of falling over. I'm really worried that something is wrong. Any suggestions? I think he is just cold, but I'm not sure how to help him anyways. Help!

EDIT: He's a baby. Also, I read something about how he might go into hibernation if it's really cold. Maybe that's it? I dunno. I've put a heater in the room that he's in and closed the door to keep the heat in. I also heated up a blanket and put him in it and then held him in it for awhile. He's more alert now. He will walk a little bit and will sniff me and position himself on my hand instead of me having to position him, which is a lot better than he was before.. For now I've put him back in his cage and added more bedding in hope he'll get warmer. Considering his already marked improvement I can only hope that he'll get better, but I don't know if there'sanytrhing else I can do. I'm open to any more suggestions if you've got any, and thanks to those who have suggested things. We do live in the mountains, and it is winter, so it's very probable that he's just reeaally cold.

Answer 1

Hamsters (gerbils, too) often need time under a heat lamp. You'll need to purchase one (or even just a regular light; it doesn't take much) to put over his cage for warmth. In addition, he's probably quite afraid of all these changes in his life, and he might be lonely or bored. You might want to just talk to him gently, make sure he has food and water, and give him a little cardbaord to chew -- like a tissue box or the cardboard form a paper towel.

Answer 2

How old was the hamster? Keep in mind that they only live for about a year and a half. It sounds like he is having seizures, which means he's either old and dying or was born with a birth defect and is dying.
If you have a heating pad, put it under the cage. Add strips of paper towel to his bed. Hamsters usually have no problems keeping themselves warm, so if he's cold, Honey, I don't think this will have a happy ending.
I'm sorry.

Answer 3

Hamsters need alot of bedding and it is a good idea not to bother the little darling during the day. If you just brought it home, you should really wait a few weeks before you try and play with it. They need to get used to you and their invorment. I like to cut a small piece of fabric from an old shirt for a blanket.

Answer 4

You do understand that hamsters are nocturnal animals? They often get cranky when awakened during the day. Don't just go in and try to pull your hammie out. Allow it to wake up a little more. It's like you being gotten out of bed to go jogging the minute your feet touch the floor. Here is a website to help you adjust to your new friend...and for him to adjust to you.

Answer 5

u could probaly make a little tiny blanket or just try to fing an other mate so she wont fell lonely. Hamsters usuallly run on their wheels when it is at night because they usually play at the dark but sleep during the day

Answer 6

if he is cold try and move his cage away from draughts and put more bedding in if you are still worried i would advise taking him/her to a vet as he might have an illness. hope he/she is ok.

Answer 7

Hamsters hate being cold and now since a baby is still getting use to its new invironment. keep holding and giving it warmth. I LOVE MY HAMSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

keep him warm also try to handle him as much as you can so he can get use to you. once he gets use to you he'll be fine,.