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Why is my new hamster sleeping all day and not eating or drinking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I barely got my hamster yesterday at pet smart and all of a sudden the next to days she’s been sleeping and not eating or drinking or wanting to do anything is she dying

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2019

Thank you for using PetCoach. It is important to remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals. That means the majority of eating drinking and activity will be done at night. She is also stressed by the change in habitat and abnormal activity. Try to minimize handling for the next few days, especially during the day time when she should be asleep. Here are some articles that may give you some more information. If she is not active at night or eating or drinking, then I would recommend a veterinary visit tomorrow. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/owning-a-pet-hamster https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/owning-a-pet-hamster https://bellevueanimalhospital.com/veterinary-services/exotic-avian/hamsters/ https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-hamsters/ https://lafeber.com/vet/wp-content/uploads/hamster-basic-info-sheet.pdf

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