What is a Ghost Hamster?

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Just some quick clarifications; 👻 Ghost hamster isn't a species of hamster it's just a term for a hamster who tends to be a recluse. 👻 Hamsters *are* nocturnal/crepuscular so your hamster waking up at night doesn't necessarily mean they're a ghost hamster, but rather if they tend to wait until after you've gone to bed to come out, for example instead of going to bed at 10pm one night you wait until 12pm and your hamster doesn't come out until you've specifically gone to bed/lights have been turned off. This is why we call them ghost hamsters! Because we don't tend to see them because they don't want to be seen 👀 like a ghost 👻 👻 Some new hamsters may not be an actual ghost hamster and just settling in or nervous upon arriving in their new home. 👻 any hamster can be a ghost hamster, no species is more likely than another and gender doesn't play much part in it either, comes down to every single hamster and their own little personality 🐹

[@toowanjeon]

Ah so that means mine is a ghost now. He was super active back then, would wake up and come out every time I came into my room or gets close to his enclosure. But now he just keep being burrowed and only comes out when I'm asleep. I could gatch a glimpse of him running in his wheel though if I woke up in the middle of the night. It could also probably because he's over 2 years old now though hmm

[@limunng1841]

Thank you @Victoria Raechel for this great video! Truly appreciate it as it helps me to have better understanding about my hamish. He is definitely a ghost hamish too just like Lenny. My hamish totally hates the light and he will only come out when the lights are off. And he also seldom interacts with me so it's really hard to have playtime with him T.T Btw, could you make video about the care/treatment when hamster has fur loss issue due to fungal? Thank you :) Have a great day~

[@feesh9977]

*cough cough *crepuscular*

[@VictoriaRaechel]

@@feesh9977 either word is appropriate honestly.

[@theresafilice2206]

Your. So bad im 13 and i have a vet i have deult with 25 pets

[@b_y_e_]

My hammy likes the run on her “silent spinner” Lemme tell you IT AINT SILENT

[@Mandy-dh8oc]

Ikr!

[@write_read7583]

Oooif, the worst part when the wheel bangs on the glass

[@Mandy-dh8oc]

@@write_read7583 I don't own a hammie anymore my little boy died 5 days ago, but mine scraped on the wood

[@Mandy-dh8oc]

@Taylor Bushman I love rats!

[@write_read7583]

@@Mandy-dh8oc oh my, I'm so sorry may he rest in peace, he must have had a great owner since y watch Rachel

[@cat-fe5wl]

I like that you’re respecting lennys privacy and not forcing him to wake up for videos.

[@princessjohn2066]

I think privacy is the wrong word..but yes.

[@supershurinova]

@@princessjohn2066 haha yeah

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I will always put my pets needs/wants over video content☺️

[@PossibleBat]

My hammie is also a loner, but that’s okay, I enjoy watching him at night by himself

[@sherbet-pc9ho]

@@VictoriaRaechel yes i would do the same 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 ❤

[@hjtw3820]

My hamster loves her sand bath, so one thing I do to make sure she’s ok is flatten it out, and if there’s footprints in the morning, that tells me that she has been up and around. Hope this helps someone!

[@julissaramirez3889]

Omg yes I do this too having a ghost hamster (which just now did I found was real thanks to the video) I did this even before I knew about this I got really anxious and still do but seeing the sand all messed up reassures me he is still well and alive

[@haley9815]

This is actually so helpful!! I'm going to try this

[@coffeemug1278]

And if your hamster doesn't rlly use the sand bath, you can put the wheel somewhere where they'd need to walk over it to get into the wheel. Thats how my enclosure is set up and it works great

[@haley9815]

@@coffeemug1278 Thank you omg best advice : D

[@ronclark9724]

Hershey uses his sand bath as a litter box... Hershey is mostly a ghost hamster, but he does come out every night from 9 to 10 to eat and drink. When I see he has awaken, I shift the sand in his sand bath, change his water bowl with fresh water, clean his wheel, and feed him a treat after refilling his food bowl when necessary. He usually cheeks the treat, and disappears into his hide. A few hours later my little beast is running on his wheel...

[@debbluvjbiebz]

My hamster is indeed a ghost hamster. She usually awake at 2 AM and already asleep when i'm awake

[@_Useful_channel_]

*люблю хомячков*

[@shelf2953]

Wait, wasnt this video just posted? Why does your comment say you posted a day ago?! Im so confused

[@maddiepierre527]

My hamster wakes up at 2pm -4 and then goes to sleep and wakes up again at 2 am

[@HyperKittyArt]

@@shelf2953 members of the channel get videos a little early :)

[@imbored2227]

I wouldn't mind having a ghost hamster because I'm often awake for longer than the average human and only get 1hour sleep and I love just watching them

[@gabbijackson]

my hamster comes out at like midnight and goes back to bed before sunrise it’s perfect for me bc i’m a night owl

[@anaiyahgarcia6048]

Same lmao

[@aaliyaht610]

me too 😁

[@saltychild.]

Same

[@saltychild.]

But I need to go to bed at 8 on school nights

[@EliteGamerMGT]

Literally no one asked

[@Megan_nosse]

This video made me feel a lot better, people think I’m crazy for not bothering my hamster and not picking him up but he just prefers it that way and I just want him to be happy and healthy 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@moss8074]

My mom always asks: Can we please see him? Just a peek! I always tell her no cause his privacy comes first.

[@ioannageorgakopoulou5857]

That's exactly my point my hamster is the same as yours ☺️

[@Finn_1080]

My MOM is always telling me "you have to wake him up he has to be awake trough day" .. we didnt even bond and now i think he is a ghost hamster

[@leslieannvanhumbeck7630]

Same here

[@mRibbons]

It can be frustrating that an animal so cute would refuse interaction, but restraint and respect are required to ensure their happiness and health. Hamsters are definitely not a pet for kids (or not without supervision).

[@VictoriaRaechel]

yes!!!

[@ninasnyder8218]

I think they are great pets for kids!! Responsible kids, I mean. As long as they have supervision/ or are trustworthy, they are good pets for kids. I disagree strongly with the idea that "hamsters aren't for kids". While for some children they should not have them, others can/should. Hamsters are great lil guys, and I had my first one at 10 years old. I did all the research for them, so my first ham had a large cage with good food. I know some parents are worried that the kids won't clean the cage, but as I said, as long as the kids are trustworthy then hamsters are good pets for them.

[@mRibbons]

@@ninasnyder8218 I mean... thats fair. I'm not saying that _no kid_ should have a hamster. What I mean to say is that hamsters need to shed the label as "a fun pet for kids". Sadly, the cost of a single hamster, the marketing of their toylike cages, and general lack and or misinformation supplied by major pet retailers leads to a lot of suffering for these adorable little critters. Hamsters clearly require empathetic understanding that their lives are both short and fragile as simple mistakes have deadly results. Ideally, I believe all children would benefit from being raised around animals. As long as everyone is well informed, pets are an absolute delight which cannot be overstated.

[@ninasnyder8218]

@@mRibbons Yes, I agree. The fake info that the stores give out is sad, and I don't mean it that EVERY kid should have on. For me, at least, I thought it was fun to learn all about hamsters so thank goodness I stumbled upon one of V's vids. I have a thing with black hamsters lol (Pfp of current ham Cocoa Jr🖤). Hamsters are a lot of work, and I think that if the kid is at a good age, responsible, and willing to care and learn about hamsters, then yes they're a good pet. But the "fun for kids" thing is kinda a lie. Most kids aren't ready for the responsibility of owing a pet.

[@ninasnyder8218]

*owning

[@HairyPotato222]

lol my chinese hamster is a ghost hamster, whenever i hear him and go see him he immediately runs back into his burrow

[@louloubell4015]

My past couple Chinese hamsters used to do that

[@evelynv456]

Oo same my Chinese hamster doesn’t love to be picked up she’ll start squeaking at me but I don’t think she’s a ghost hamster

[@karmen181]

Out 2 Chinese are pretty much ghosts. But are thriving and are not scared of me as much anymore..

[@minilamma4879]

My hamster runs back to her bathroom every time she sees me and then comes back out only to go into the bowl that I pick her up with. That’s how I take out my hammie every time

[@chaumurky]

my chinese hamster is the same 😿

[@atosmic9035]

My hamster Peaches is pretty much the same. She’s learned the sound of my rain app that I put on when I go to sleep, and I hear her on the wheel pretty much seconds after I flip the app on 😅 she’s such a good girl who enjoys treats and free roam but is not the happiest with human interaction and that is a-ok!

[@willrhodes6833]

Mine is the same way! The second I turn the lights off& lay down he jumps on the wheel

[@littlered3533]

I thought my hamster hated me because he refuses to even come out until I am in bed with the lights off. He will be running on his wheel seconds later! I thought he was the most unhappy guy ever but this video and your comment has made me feel so much better! I also often wonder if he is dead or not and the only thing that gets him to come out is food as well but it has to be one of his absolute favorites, or else! 😂👍💕

[@joeymath8450]

You: puts rain sounds Peaches: Let’s get this party started

[@racheljordan3170]

My hamster is one too she doesn’t really like human interaction she won’t run on her wheel if I am facing her cage and if I am fake sleeping she knows and won’t move, this time s because where I got her was an open shop extremely loud the lady would take her out to show kids and the kids were loud so she is anxious but lately she likes to watch and listen to me sometimes she comes out and sits on my bed while I watch Netflix and I give her a treat

[@lizzylizzard2946]

awwww thats so sweet and wholesome

[@bellacutts9730]

Cute that’s adorable I’m still trying to create a bond with mummy Russian hamster because I only got her yesterday but I’m struggling to so please any segtions

[@racheljordan3170]

@@bellacutts9730 try just putting your hand in their cage and just leave it there for a few minutes the first few times they won’t come near you but when they do put food near it they if they are comfortable will eat it and slowly put it on your hand and they will follow it stroke them gently eventually they will grow to trust you it will take a few weeks or months it’s always different remember patience is key

[@racheljordan3170]

@@bellacutts9730 don’t make sudden movements though they will spook and bite don’t wake them up they will do so themselves

[@bellacutts9730]

@@racheljordan3170 okay thx I will work on it🥰

[@Julz34]

In Germany we say "Phantomhamster".

[@HellenicMapping]

LMAO i love your words

[@mqlyo]

phantomhamster sounds so cute-

[@Rhiannon041]

Phamster

[@elenah5783]

Ist das echt ein Wort das existiert?

[@EliteGamerMGT]

@@elenah5783 nien

[@kaitlynnelson9067]

My hamster is an EXTREME ghost. She only comes out when my family is not around, she’s not comfortable with them.i normally see her about once or twice a week and I give her treats and she loves it but I don’t think she’ll ever want to come out of her cage to “play”. I still love her though and I might be upgrading her cage soon because she loves to burrow and the current cage I have is only 8 inches and I want her to have more 😅

[@tinypetcorner]

Awww that is so nice of you to want to upgrade! Great hamster owner!

[@catherinewhite7088]

My new hamster Hamilton is a ghost, he doesn't come out until very late at night. He came from a proper breeder who handled him but we never see him and everyone tells me not to to wake him so I guess he's never going to be a tame, interactive hamster.

[@quickidchef7578]

I love the name “Hamilton”🤣

[@catherinewhite7088]

@@quickidchef7578 He is named after Alexander Hamilton one of the founding fathers of the United States! I watched the musical Hamilton and thought it was a great name 😀

[@quickidchef7578]

@@catherinewhite7088 I FREAKING LOVE THE MUSICAL 😀!!!!! I had to decide between naming my hamster kiwi and alexhamster hamilton lol. ended up choosing kiwi for the sake of no one else would get the joke cause NO ONE ELSE LIKES MUSICALS lol.

[@WolfistiC]

For the longest time I thought I just didn't try hard enough to tame my hamster or I tamed him wrong that he isn't so keen to interact with me. This makes so much sense! I definitely have a ghost hamster!

[@ioannageorgakopoulou5857]

That's what I used to think too☺️

[@minilamma4879]

same lol. my first hamster just happened to be a really aggressive and skittish hamster. She was highly territorial and will bite anyone who sticks their hand in her cage to pick her up. So I ended up wearing 2 inch skii gloves to approach her, it took me 2 months straight for her to get used to me.

[@bloginggwen]

@@minilamma4879 sometimes they need to know that they are in a safe place, and, they need to know that you need to be safe, too. Because bite(s') hurt a lot just as bad as being in not so safe place.

[@92wolfFire]

I've had a lot of hamsters, but I have also had a "ghost hamster" too. I was working in a petshop and we got a delivery of "panda hamsters"(goldhamster-black banded) and I was fixing their cages, one of the males screamed and threw himself on his back of the slitest tought, he just keept on screaming and was super scared. So I left him in the container and told my boss that I was going to take that hamster cuz he could not sell that to a family. I had a big empty cage at home after my chinese hamster had died so I fixed that for him, I let him go in to it himself. He was twitching and making scared noices. He got to live there all his life, he learned I was not going to hurt him and after half a year he came to the opening to get treats when he was awake. In all the years I had him I only emergancy pict him up, he still twitched a lot but did not scream. Giving a hamster like that a good home is a wonderful feeling, I highly recomend it. You do not need to pick up your hamster to have a wonderful frienship :) ps. if you are looking to get a hamster, look for a good breeder or one that needs a good home.

[@spaghettikennedy896]

I love your perspective on allowing Hamsters to choose if they want to socialize with people. Too often Hamsters are treated like toys and not living creatures

[@romasamejacobraphaeld.5074]

plot tiwst: lennys a secret fbi agent who only comes out when ur asleep

[@VictoriaRaechel]

🧐

[@mariejane1148]

@@VictoriaRaechel Got a new hamster on Monday. Ive uploaded a video and I would like your advice on it please, is it normal for a hamster to be in such a deep sleep on a human or is he having some kind of seizure? Please advise.

[@HyperKittyArt]

I've had a lot of hamsters like this and I adored every single one, when you do get to see them it's a great day and they all have such different personalities 🥰

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Yes! It fun to be able to see all the different personalities, Bumble my past syrian loved coming out and would jump on my hand whenever I put it in whereas Lenny is okay to be by himself!

[@HyperKittyArt]

@@VictoriaRaechel awhh I've found my robos are actually the ones who prefer coming out 😂 though apparently that's rare haha

[@_Useful_channel_]

*супер*

[@brittainyellis6670]

@@HyperKittyArt Same but my syrian also liked being out not as much as my robot thougb

[@weirdandshort]

My hamster was a rescue who ended up at the pet store I worked at. He was a social boy at the store, but once I got him home into a nice big enclosure he slowly got into the "ghost hamster" life. I try not to force it, and he doesn't mind when I handle him when he is awake. He's a shy boy and that's okay

[@Riveraxis12]

My hamster doesn’t really like human interaction but he does like coming out of his cage to explore his room

[@koen3567]

really? mine is the opposite. he comes out very late and never when the lights are on but whenever i hold him he’s very ok with it.

[@isabellarebolloso1875]

My hamster isn’t scared of my he loves waking up for me to feed him. He just doesn’t feel the need to play with me

[@jayleensanchez2211]

MINE TOO!!

[@user-ts2mq5kb5o]

Same

[@BL00MYB0Y]

Mine is quite like this. When she does want to come out, I have like an open plan dinning and living room. I’ve made the dinning room hamster proof and put half a hamster play pen across the living room entrance. I can sit in the living room and watch her roam about. Last night I was playing my PlayStation with one eye on her.

[@BlissfulWithin]

Im grateful for this video as at times I felt bad for having a 'ghost' hamster, like I failed as an owner. Honestly when I look back at how my hamster was, he has improved! He used to be aggressively scared of people (would hiss/put fists up) but now hes more relaxed but just clearly doesn't enjoy interaction with humans and thats ok :) ♥ love him as he is :D

[@adamorris6840]

My hamster is in between a ghost hamster, and a social hamster. He does not like coming out if I turn on the light, but every once in a while he will crawl into my hand willingly, and it's SUPER cute. Even though he doesn't like coming out of his cage, I can tell he trusts me, and that's what counts.

[@thysenb]

I adopted a hamster in early November. Her name is Tilly; she has the largest Niteangel cage available, with plenty of objects and toys. However, she is a Ghost Hamster. I read a post on Instagram explaining these types of hamsters, and she fits all of the characteristics. With that being said, she is starting to become curious whenever I enter her room and will watch me from a distance.

[@KRHamstery]

I absolutely love this video! not much is talked about ghost hamsters and I'm so happy you've been the one to talk about it. Regardless if Lenny liked interaction or not he clearly had a lovely life with you and you should take great pride in how you care for your hamsters x

[@maybeforgetful4732]

I love all these people who still love their pets even though they're basically keeping a pet hamster cage. You guys are great

[@Luvlymarshmellow666]

I spend money on my hamster tucker, only to almost never see him. I love him. He is an evil villan. mwahahaha

[@rkivelover]

My hamster’s a ghost hamster, he doesn’t come out during the day or when anyone else is in the room. But I still love him so much, he’s the best hamster I could ask for and every now and then I check to see if he’s still alive and take him out

[@bethyoest1492]

I wach Moriah elizabeth to

[@cloudy_leaf3151]

Hamsters are nocturnal they never come in the morning.. Victoria meant that ghost hamsters don't come at night when the lights are on.. Or doesn't like human interactions

[@laurag.7019]

My daughter loves your videos! They have really helped her learn how to take care of her Fancy Bear hamster that she got for Christmas. Thank you so much!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Tell her I say hello! & if incase you don't know yet a fancy bear is actually just a syrian! Unfortunately pet stores use the name to make them sound fancier and charge more :( For example PetSmart sells a "short haired hamster" (just a syrian) for $14.99 while they also sell a "fancy bear hamster" (also just a syrian) $22.99!

[@samandthehams4496]

My hamster doesn’t really like me, he tolerates me petting him on the back but doesn’t really like it. I try to let him free roam, then he just wants to go back in his cage, but then at 3 am he is LOUDLY trying to lift up his lid and escape. (He’s in a 40 gallon breeder, and I’m upgrading him to a 2x4 ft double cage based off Erins animal’s test tube.

[@tessanoelle3522]

My hamster Peanut did this. After he passed I later got a female hamster named Luna. This girl won’t even let me let her sniff my finger. I have so many bites on me and she’s so loud. Idk what to do

[@snottiee8552]

@@ノホモ this sometimes happens when they are trying to grind down their teeth and sometimes if they have no wooden objects in their cage it can be very hard for them to do so and end up biting on everything. But this can also be because they are stressed in their environment due to little room or certain noises or dirty living space. Or if you handle them too much or incorrectly they may not enjoy being picked up or handled and will end up biting you as a result

[@m.cardiigxn-]

My hamster is sort of like that but she cannot escape her cage because its too tall and also she’s a dwarf

[@syl073]

I've been trying to get a hamster for about two years my mom is finally gonna let me get one but I love watching your videos for help

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Congrats!

[@lexTS89]

CONGRATULATIONS!! 🥳🥳🥳 I’m sure your new ball of fur will love you, and I’m sure you will love them.

[@leialacson6657]

Congrats!

[@iamsmoot1385]

Same I’ve wanted a hamster for a year and I finally got one for my bday also congrats

[@sanjanaagrawal6683]

Yayyyy congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 I am sure u will give ur future hamster a GREAT life!!!

[@evelingrace]

Victoria: So I can spy on him without him knowing... Me: phew I’m not the only one.

[@JmHandcrafted]

My hamster is in my room, so anytime I am in bed and I hear my hamster, I'll somtimes go look what she's doing. She ALWAYS looks at me like O.O and just looks like I busted her doing something she isn't allowed to do 😂 Guess she doesn't like me spying 🤪

[@Falkfamily7]

Lol

[@itzemastudio7718]

Lol🤣

[@karolhanuss9649]

I thought i have a ghost hamster in the beginning, but as you wrote down, he was just settling in. Now he comes out frequently at the same time. He's not scared of light and comes out almost everyday at like 7 pm, he also likes human interaction so I just feel really lucky to have him. Dont get me wrong, I would love him the same if he was a ghost hamster. He would still be my fluffy love ❤

[@cwren9060]

My old hamster (who passed away recently on Christmas day) would come out of her hide and come to see me everytime I went in the room, even if I tried to sneak in she would get curious! Whereas my brother's hamster just comes out at night and will take treats from your hand but doesn't like to be stroked. We know she's okay though because she is quite noisy at night! My hamster was a long haired Syrian called Willow (rest in peace Willow, I miss you so much) and my brother's hamster is a Syrian called Honey).

[@exle760]

Awww willow sounds so cute

[@cwren9060]

@@exle760 Thank you 😊 she was a very cute hamster. She didn't live that long 😭 but the life she lived was way more friendly and energetic than most hamsters would be in their whole life!

[@paolagaytan4775]

I always thought I was alone 😭😭 she prefers to wait till the lights are off and will only come out if I put food in her bowl. She will Pouch everything and then run back to her nest. I love her so much just watching her eat makes my heart melt with her tiny whittle paws 🥰

[@izzybella7345]

I can’t contain Lenny’s cuteness

[@elainahardin]

Both my robos are definitely ghost hamsters

[@sophiat4402]

Same I have roborovski hamster she literally a ghost hamster, she doesn’t hate me but she don’t like me 😅

[@Beelzebubby91]

@@sophiat4402 They are hard to tame, try feeding her with your hand, it should help!

[@sophiat4402]

@@Beelzebubby91 thank you, I bought her like a year ago and she stills try to get used to me , she does come and take treats in my hand she just don’t trust me yet she don’t like human but we chilling 😎😄

[@millymacaroni9569]

Lol my hamster is a ghost hamster. She wasn’t before, but she is now. It’s so sad, I barely get to see her.

[@brianadeba8761]

how have you dealt with it? i got a hamster a month ago and i cant tell if she’s a ghost hamster because when i come in the room im able to pet/hand feed, but after 5 mintues she goes into her burrow for a long time

[@koifish4276]

for my hamsters: Dawn was social Lunar was an in between Funneh was a ghost hamster

[@elisekoehler2109]

This video has been super helpful. I honestly thought I was being a bad owner in that my hamster didn't seem to want to interact with me and I wasn't actively trying to 'tame' him. I get home from work late at night and I see him then, and he'll let me give him treats by hand and talk to him a bit, but he never seems to want more than that. It's a system that works for me and him. I love him regardless of the fact that I only really see him for about 1 hour a night even if it does sometimes make me feel like we're roommates on different sleep schedules rather than pet and owner.

[@daphnesuarez4782]

i just got my hamster Pepper a few weeks ago and i’m happy and relieved to hear that this is how some hamsters are ! he only comes out when he’s completely dark or my led lights are very dim or red like you mentioned! he’s been willing to come on my hand for a treat and briefly hold him and then he’s ready to go back into his enclosure! absolutely been loving your videos and learning so much about hamster care ☺️

[@jasminephillips5880]

I'm so glad you did this video! Wish I new about ghost hamsters sooner! A lot of hamster channels just show human interaction, which led me to believe I'd be able to tame and play with my hamster in the same way! My Sammy recently passed away and throughout his life I always thought I was doing something wrong. Never had a hamster to call my own before and I was so distraught when he would run away from me or hide until I left the room! There were a few occasions where he seemed to enjoy free roam time, but more often than not, he would sit in a corner and go back to sleep. He always seemed comfortable enough around me to groom himself etc. but he wasn't a massive fan of human interaction. I soon decided to just let him do what he wanted, the last thing I wanted was to stress him out. I realise now that every hamster is unique and although it was difficult at times, I loved having him around and just quietly observing him from afar 🐹❤️

[@pokelover02]

My hamster passed yesterday, and he was the exact same

[@pinkywinky911]

My two past hamster’s were the most affectionate creatures and then I got Nugget. 😅 He is the very definition of a Ghost hamster. His enclosure is in my bedroom so if I needed to get dressed or something and he is out playing, I keep the lights off and just use a flashlight to get my stuff. The most interaction that we have is when he sniffs my hands. He is a Roborovski and very fidgety. I have so few pictures of him but I still love him. 😅

[@goofball9264]

Omg. I am relating to Lenny on spiritual level. I might be a ghost person 😂

[@willrhodes6833]

This is my first hamster & he used to never come out until i was sleeping for a long time but we have finally gotten closer & I think he likes to see me. Getting up at 5 am for work helps me see him more. His name is Butters

[@hollyp31]

Back in August I had a robo and two Syria’s. The most affectionate Syrian unfortunately passed mid August. She was the most interactive hamster ever. Not long after I decided that I was ready to welcome a new member into the family. He’s also a Syrian but 100% ghost hamster. I see him about once a week in his huge cage. My other Syrian is around but doesn’t like to be handled much. My robo passed a couple days ago but she was adopted (previously ghost but started to gain confidence). Getting any pet is a gamble. They all have their own personalities. I still love him but unfortunately can barely interact

[@JustRememberWhoYoureWorkingFor]

7:28 I could be watching and listening to this in an endless loop. Now back on topic: I had a hamster that could or couldn't have been a ghost hamster and I wouldn't have been able to tell it: this was in the 1990s when I was still a kid, I had no internet yet and in general there wasn't as much information as there's today, so I had my hamster in a cage that today would be considered small, with a bedding not deep enough to cover his entire body (I was so naive to think a cage from a pet store had to be good), so the only place he could hide in was his plastic nest house, which had a roof that you could take apart, so actually the hamster had no way to keep me from seeing him or even taking him in my hand. I guess he wasn't a ghost because there were times I could see him in his cage not in his nest, but even if he had been an actual ghost my kid self would still have interacted with him like with a non ghost one.

[@amy161]

My hamster wakes up at a certain time everyday. It’s not too early and it’s not too late it’s the perfect time so she can come out and have a cuddle or treats for 5-10 minutes

[@person3453]

My hammy is a ghost hamster 😂

[@mypawsomefamily4268]

My little Buttons is a ghost hammy! I put a blanket over her encloser (which its super lightweight and air still goes through, as my room is usuallly cooler) and i peaked through the blanket and sure enought there she was running through her tunnels and having a blast. IVE NEVER seen her so entergetic

[@vilmamedrano8411]

Hi victoria, im on my grandmas and im 11 years old, ive watched all of your videos and it seems like you save lives of hamsters you are a great pet owner and youve taught me so much about them and ive been improving on my hamster care, and my two dwarf hamsters are very happy :3. btw love your hamsters, so adorable.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thank you!

[@varshaa2812]

Even my hamster is a ghost hamster. It will come out of its hideout as soon as I turn of lights and I can see it when I wake up.

[@jessmiree5105]

Oh my gosh I have a ghost hamster! She used to be really sociable and love coming out her enclosure, then gradually she's become a total ghost... She used to wake up at about 11pm but now it can be around 1-2am. I always think arghhh is she okay! But I hear her chattering away in her house and she comes out for food and water when she needs to. And obviously for exercise when the room is dark and quiet! So glad you made this video, I've been worried for months but it's really reassuring to see this. Thank you x

[@WildWhispr]

My Indie is a ghost hamster, he wasn't when he was younger as he used to love free roaming and exploring my room but as he gets older (he's 2 now) he just likes to be left alone, and doesn't wake up until just after I go to bed. Occasionally I'll see him come out to drink in the day or when I get up to pee at nights and say hi to him then, but he seems perfectly happy just pottering about by himself in his large cage. I sometimes feel bad because it almost feels like I'm neglecting him because I never give him the attention I give my other pets (I tend to all his other needs though, of course) but eventually I've just accepted that he just wants to be left alone. In a way I feel like the fact that they don't want to come out of their cage is a good sign as it means we have succeeded in providing them a cage that is suitable for them with enough space and enrichment that they like being in it enough not to chew on the bars and beg us to let them out.

[@rhistevens3921]

I have a trio of rats and one of them is extremely reclusive. She doesn’t like human interaction at all. Coincidentally, her name is Ghost which was not intentional 😅 She is happy and healthy and loves her cage mates, just doesn’t love me, which I try not to take personally

[@SomeoneThatIsCool]

Lol that's funny

[@geazoe1136]

I’ve had my Syrian now for a year and half. He is a ghost hamster. I never pressured him to be interacted with. It took him 2 months to take a treat from my hand. He just enjoys his own company. He won’t come out unless it’s dark or I’ve got the fairy lights on. Hardly ever see him but I’m content knowing that he’s happy and wasn’t chosen by a family where they may have forced him to be interacted with. Thanks for this video will help a lot of people out because I was so confused when I first got mine. I just thought he needed a long time to feel comfortable but over time I just learnt he’s happy doing his thing.

[@afrawley339]

Me: seeing the title Also me: A GHOST HAMSTER WHAT IS THAT?!?

[@lornacant2549]

This explains a lot about our hamster Bubble. He's never liked human interaction, and if he does come out in daylight then it's just for a quick drink, food and then straight back to bed. He doesn't want to interact and that's fine. He's a Russian dwarf. Is this more common in certain breeds or does it not make a difference?

[@rhibearstuff1142]

I think so! russians havent been domesticated for as long as syrians have so I imagine some russians may be more likely to be a ghost hamster than syrians.

[@evelynb9692]

Mines a Russian hamster and he is the same

[@kellyackermann1086]

You are so amazing to hamsters. I love how you are perfectly okay with not being able to see them if they are not as social as some are and just know you are making sure they have an amazing life. You’re so inspiring.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thank you Kelly!

[@jaspergraves8104]

This makes me feel so much better about my hamster, I thought maybe I just wasn't trying hard enough to tame her

[@lizzielogic]

My hamster has become a ghost hamster when she tured 1

[@koifish4276]

you sure she isn’t dead?

[@avaginsberg227]

Has she been eating her food?

[@lizzielogic]

@@koifish4276 I know I have a pet cam

[@lizzielogic]

@@avaginsberg227 still eating

[@user-cm2ev1in7k]

Anyone commenting is she alive and stuff i think the person meant that their hamster just stopped enjoying humsn interaction at the age of 1

[@Idkk3699]

I am so glad you respect Lenny and his sleeping times you are providing Lenny with a great life you go Victoria

[@esmecohen_23]

Scaryyyyy.... I don’t think I have ever been so confused clicking on a video.

[@esmecohen_23]

@luh.breezyyy 😂

[@tishasobhax]

Same😂 Also hello there!

[@thelifeoflenny2275]

Hiiii 👋🏼

[@esmecohen_23]

@@tishasobhax hi clumsy critters!

[@tishasobhax]

@@esmecohen_23 Nice to see you here :)

[@Misaki-qb4bc]

I ended up getting a ghost hamster. I'm a little sad to have so little interaction with him but as long as he's happy. I have a lot of friends telling me that 'he's just a hamster. You need to force him out' which is crazy to me. I do interact with him a little every nighy by giving him treats and sometimes tempting him out enough to hold him, but I've never seen him run on his wheel or anything since he waits until it's dark and there's no movement in the room 😔

[@mxmithril]

my hamster is a little shy and has ghost tendencies, but he absolutely loves to rummage around and dig and burrow, so if in the morning he's made (more of) a mess of his enclosure, pushing tubes and bedding and toys around, i know he's okay

[@rezasadegh-pour7865]

OMG!!! I'm so excited to watch it!!!! Can't believe that I'm the 4th person here 😱😱!!!!! Such an honor❤❤❤!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thank you for watching!

[@shelf2953]

Wait, wasnt the video just posed? Why does your comment say you posted 23 HOURS ago?! 👀

[@shelf2953]

@Bunny lover 21 :0) iNterEStiNg

[@lissawilliams8877]

@@shelf2953, yes very "INTERESTING"

[@verishol4436]

i love hamsters so much that i want to adopt every single one

[@evawright5648]

Lenny is so sweet!

[@parisinthe30sx]

My hamster used to be like that. I was like "I just wanna love you!" He wasn't impressed

[@molly8141]

Thanks for making this video! I was worried there might be something wrong with my little bean, but I think he's just a little ghostie. Ever since I upgraded him to a bigger enclosure, he's been digging a lot more burrows, so he probably gets more exercise from digging and just likes being in his burrows more than coming out to roam. :)

[@aribellamenold]

Victoria's hamsters literally have the best home ANY hamster could have

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Well thank you 🥺

[@stephaniemurr8035]

Hi Victoria! Love your videos, you have such a wonderful way of educating people about proper care of hamsters. It's so inspiring and such a great tool to direct others to your channel so they can begin proper care of their hamsters! Im a first time hamster owner, I didn't have a whole lot of expectations on how a hamster should or shouldn't behave, however, I had no idea how shy and timid they are. It kinda broke my heart to be honest. I named the male Syrian I got Little Dude and he was just so scared and stressed out from the moment I brought h home from the pet store. That is what brought me to your channel, I wasn't sure what to do to help him relax. That is when I learned all about enclosures and enrichment and so on. I thought I had gotten him a decent size cage from the pet store but I quickly learned otherwise. Luckily he was only in that tiny thing for about 2 days. After setting up a proper habitat for him I left him alone for about a week only softly talking to him when I changed his water and spot cleaned. He soon started to come out to my voice and get comfortable with me. I was able to begin bath tub bonding time with him but every time I took him out of his habitat he would become so scared and so stressed out and just huddle in the corner. It was so sad. I thought he just needed time and he would be fine but after a month of doing that I couldn't do it to him anymore. He was just so scared and stressed outside if his habitat. So I decided that I would build him an even bigger habitat and deck it out with tons of bedding, hides, wheels, saucers, platforms, tunnels, substrate and all the fixins' and then some. He was in HEAVEN!! he would come out to get a treat from me if I called him out but other then that I never did get to pet him, snuggle him, play with him, or interact with him but I was fine with that because he was finally relaxed and happy. He lived in a habitat that was about 2 feet longer then the deltof that made for him for close to 2 years. At se point after Christmas 2020 he had had a stroke, I believe, and had become very wobbly. He actually had rolled down an incline of bedding and I had decided that it would be best to move him into a smaller habitat for his safety and so he could be closer to food and water as well as make it easier for me to keep an eye on him. About 3 days after I had moved him he wasn't able to burrow anymore and stared sleeping ontop of his bedding which wasn definitely not like him. For the first time since having him I was able to hold him and snuggle him. I wrapped him in a pair of my flannel pants that he loved( when he was a young energetic hamster, he had escaped a few times, and every time I would find him, he would be in my bottom dresser drawer curled up in these old pair of flannel jammie pants I had, lol, he had chewed holes in them and made a nest with them). I held him for 2 days and fed him pourage, and gave him sips of water and he even slept next to me on a heat pad set on low. He passed away early in the morning on that 3rd day. I am so grateful that he trusted me enough to be with him while he went. He was a special little fella. Im glad I was the one who got to look after him, because I don't know that he would have done well in a household that didn't respect his limits. Thank you again for this video in particular, it definitely a topic that doesn't get talked about enough that's for sure

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thank you for sharing your experience! And it's my pleasure that my channel could help in any way!

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

Me hearing: “You can sit in the dark and wait for your hamster” Me:👀 do- do people actually do that

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I mean most people lay in bed on their phones in the dark lol

[@alexhagg1266]

Me: I definitely wasn't doing that last night lol 😂 👀😁

[@sarahsanchez3759]

Me dOES

[@rowdyrats7035]

I do it almost every night. 😂

[@alexhagg1266]

@@rowdyrats7035 same 😭😅😅

[@UpChuckCanuck]

I just want to say thanks for posting this. I am the proud caretaker of what I now know is a ghost hamster. I got her after she went through two unsuccessful homes (both times the kids got bored with her). I didn't plan on hamster ownership but felt she deserved a nice quiet home. She came to me in a small starter cage (12" x 10") she liked to bite, was fearful of humans and hid all the time. I'm watching your videos and learning how to let her live her best life. Sh now has a 900 square inch pen with plans to double that. She gets a varied diet. I allow her to do her own thing and respect that she doesn't want human contact. Since getting her bigger pen setup she stopped hiding all the time and finally allows me to quietly watch her explore her pen in the evening. I wish she was social but I really to enjoy being able to watch her I'm respecting her personality. After 4 months she finally started coming out for special treats (brussel sprout pieces), I'm happy with that progress. Wollig is great even if she is a ghost.

[@jaelynwiatrok]

my hamster is a ghost hamster, he usually only comes out to run on his wheel or he gets his food and comes out at around 12-1 am

[@Katrina.262]

My Syrian hamster bean is half a ghost hamster as he doesn’t mind being touched and interacted with but he hates being picked up and will hide after a couple minutes interaction. He does come out at around 10pm but as soon as any lights are on he hides again until they’re off (he’s in my bedroom) and he stays up until the sun is fully up so he’s awake for a long time but he spends most of the night trying to escape from his home which is around 950sq inches and full of enrichment and everything he needs which is quite upsetting as I don’t know what he wants or how to stop him

[@anatkorenfeld9754]

You always have very useful contact. In behalf of all hamsters thank you

[@jessie2930]

Lennyyyyy! I love hamsters💙

[@imherebecausesomethingwent2166]

At that time I had a ghost hamster, called Seppel (a very German name) - but I didn't know that some hamsters don't like human interactions. So sometimes I pulled him out of his sleep and forced him to play with me... I thought Seppel loved it. Now I definitely know better and my next hamster won't have to go through this anymore🥰

[@underthesea6958]

My old hamster midnight was kind of like that she would occasionally take treats from my hand on a rare occasion but she would not get out and start playing around until the lights were out and it was like 3:00 in the morning and she would always go to bed by the time I was awake

[@Ja-Block]

My hamster is kind of like that but less severe I guess. She doesn’t come out unless it is dark or she needs the toilet.

[@thecorlorlesspig1993]

7:27 I would love to see Sadie purr in an ASMR video

[@bubbakittle6999]

She has a wonderful and loud purr.

[@Dzaeli]

this is really helpful to hear from someone who has had multiple hamsters. my hamster Rune is the first one I've ever had and she only comes out for treats every now and then. I hear her wheel every night so I know she's doing good.

[@laurab7573]

My last hamster Delta was definitely a ghost hamster, and he looked a lot like Lenny 🥰 Now I have a campbell's dwarf hamster and he loves attention!

[@amelia-jy3dc]

Me “mom my hammy is a ghost hamster” her “OMG DID IT DIE !?!?” me “no mom no She didn’t die🙄😂”

[@missykim510]

Sadie has a wonderful purr

[@pokelover02]

I had a ghost hamster, and he lived a long, happy hamster life

[@popoi8896]

The fact that lenny is the cutest hamster ever and doesnt come out As much is so dissapointing 😖❤

[@popoi8896]

@Martha SWIFT girl that was a compliment of how cute lenny is

[@trapnestfan6187]

I love how people like you give courage to people that are any age. And when people watch your videos and think about their hamster care and to upgrade their hamsters life. Thank you for giving courage to many people.

[@bellahayter1470]

My hamster is just like this he wakes up when I go to bed

[@sweetschokicake]

My hamster is NOT a ghost hamster, and I'm so thankful for that. She loves playing with us and is always curious when she hears someone being near her cage ☺️

[@junelondon1703]

Lenny has such a beautiful colour! 💖 It´s great that you don´t force him to ineract with humans. Every hamster has a unique personality.

[@thrillsandexcitement]

How do you spot clean his cage without waking him if he's always hiding when you're awake? I have a ghost hamster. :)

[@madeleineharris2673]

My hamster is kinda similar. She hates human interaction and doesn't ever wake up or come out during the day. I have had two hamsters in the past who were really really friendly so when I got my current hamster I was really concerned, but this has really helped because now I feel reassured that I haven't done something wrong😅

[@hopeg.6156]

same! idk abt u it’s honestly pretty discouraging for me- my past hamster would sit on my shoulder, walk around the house in his ball, watch tv in my lap, and sm more. i love my hamster (teddy) and i have no issue w him not seeking interaction- as long as he’s content with his independent life yk? it just kinda gets my down when i rarely ever see him. i thought my taming process just didn’t have a good effect on him or something but i’m glad i came across this vid! so i totally gotchu :)

[@madeleineharris2673]

@@hopeg.6156 totally agree

[@hopeg.6156]

@@madeleineharris2673 i sat by teddys cage for about 20 minutes while watching TV and he came out! i’ve realized that he loves to run a round every once in a while (very rarely) as long as i don’t let him and give him healthy treats while he runs around. i wish u and ur hamster goodluck !! 😊

[@hopeg.6156]

pet*

[@elang1925]

Hey I just want to say a massive thank you, I am getting a dwarf hamster soon and I have done over a months research into care cleaning etc. But you and your channel has been the main thing that I am basing my care on thank you for allowing my hamster a better life❤️

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I'm happy I could help!

[@elang1925]

@@VictoriaRaechel I know this is a big ask and I don’t know if you know KSI, he has 2 dwarfs aswell and this is random but is there any way to reach out to him to try to tell him his cages are too small with little bedding, thank you for helping me tho :)

[@crittertails7536]

When I'm a night owl, I can get more hamster videos out. But then people keep telling me it's unhealthy and I should go to sleep earlier. So when I finally become a daytime person with "normal" sleeping hours, it's just not possible for me to release KZbin hamster content efficiently. I'd rather adapt to my hamsters' sleep schedule because I don't want to wake them up during the daytime. My hamsters keep me nocturnal 💖🐹

[@maxcates6431]

I’m a night owl And getting a hamster... mornings are for the weak ( I’m up for horse camp sadly, why can’t I wake up at 11! )

[@HammieObsesser96]

So what you’re saying is that I too classify as a “ghost hamster”

[@VictoriaRaechel]

yes

[@thesecretlifeofdolcettathe1048]

indeed it is really important to respect our little friends! thanks for your video!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thanks for watching!

[@oliviashafer530]

Thank you for not recommending forced interaction ❤

[@dekky956gaming2]

I saw the title and went “*Huh*”

[@verishol4436]

haha same

[@via5955]

im so obsessed with the way Lenny walks he takes him time to put up a paw and it's so adorable

[@taexjk8031]

i'm early right now actually im feeding my hamster right now