If you have a hamster in your room, they will naturally want to play at night.
Do this for several days or even weeks until your hamster starts to wake up earlier in the evenings to play. Your hamster will still be active at night, but you can teach it to expect some activity during the day, too.
If you do this routinely, your hamster will associate getting up earlier with getting fed, and it will begin to get up earlier naturally.
Give your hamster a new toy or a treat every day to keep him up and active.
Syrian hamsters have relatively inflexible sleep schedules. They need to sleep during the day and have their activity times during evening and night. Dwarf and Chinese hamsters, on the other hand, have more flexible sleep schedules. They may get used to activities during the day, and begin to wake up naturally for play. [4] X Research source
Since hamsters are not strictly nocturnal, they will naturally have periods of activity during the day. Don’t expect a healthy hamster to sleep through the whole day without stirring. [6] X Research source
If you can encourage your hamster to run on its wheel before you’re in bed and asleep, it may result in your hamster being more relaxed and quiet while you’re asleep.
On the floor in your bathroom. In a spare room or guest room in your house. In your living room, if it will be quiet and dark at night.
For example, if your living room is often loud and crowded during the day, that would not be a good location to keep your hamster’s cage. If you recently bought your hamster from a bright, crowded pet store, it may take time for them to settle into a regular sleeping routine. To help them along, keep their cage for a quiet room for as much of the day as possible. [10] X Research source
Darkness at night will make your hamster feel energized and comfortable. If it’s light at night, your hamster may become confused & uncertain how it should behave. Be consistent with the amount of light and darkness your hamster receives every day. In general, hamsters should have 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark a day. [12] X Research source
After about a week, your hamster will develop trust and you can start to pick it up more regularly.
Cup the hamster loosely in your hand when you hold it. Never squeeze or trap the hamster with your hands. If it seems agitated or uncomfortable, but the hamster back in its cage. Never wake your hamster up to play. When they’re sleeping during the day, let your hamster rest. If you wake it up and attempt to play, the hamster may bite you. [15] X Research source
Don’t pick your hamster up once it’s already asleep.
Inactivity and loss of appetite. Sneezing or wheezing. Discharge from eyes or nose. Diarrhea or wetness around the tail. Hair loss.
Many of these diseases are induced by stress and rapid diet changes.
DO NOT attempt to put your hamster to sleep at home. Although they are small and delicate animals, hamsters, like any other animal, should only be euthanized by professional veterinarians. [18] X Research source
