is it normal for my hamster to be less active in the winter?

[rowanwade]

i haven’t posted in a while but since the last time i posted, licorice has become a lot more active and comfortable with me. however, seemingly out of no where, he stopped coming out at night and he hasn’t run on his on his wheel in probably over 2 weekend . he’s walking and behaving completely normal when he is awake, but i only see him come out to get food and water. my mom said it could be because it’s gotten super cold recently, but she’s not really educated on hamsters at all so i thought i’d ask here if that’s a normal response to cold weather.

[hamsworth]

There's a chance that the change in temperature and air flow could be causing him to be less active if it's a noticeable difference. He could also be getting older. I notice when my hamsters have become less active, which can be a gradual shift of less activity over months... but this was a sudden change. So unless the temperature fell suddenly, it could be a sign of illness... you say he basically stopped running on his wheel altogether? If you can, try to weigh him once a week to see if he's losing weight. I normally try to weigh my hamsters once a month. Weight is good indicator of health. If you don't have a scale, try to judge whether he looks lighter or whether he has less fur or his fur isn't as fluffy or as well kept. Less grooming/neat fur could also be a sign of illness or age.

If you're still concerned and can afford it, see if you can take him to a vet for a check up.

[Kikya]

i haven’t posted in a while but since the last time i posted, licorice has become a lot more active and comfortable with me. however, seemingly out of no where, he stopped coming out at night and he hasn’t run on his on his wheel in probably over 2 weekend . he’s walking and behaving completely normal when he is awake, but i only see him come out to get food and water. my mom said it could be because it’s gotten super cold recently, but she’s not really educated on hamsters at all so i thought i’d ask here if that’s a normal response to cold weather.

Yes, if it's cold, it's normal for them to not be out as much. Some of my hamsters will just stay below in their nests except to get their food in the deep winter. I live in the North East US so it gets cold here.

Just keep an eye out on his weight, to make sure he's not losing or gaining weight rapidly.