I would like to think it is just dust or loose scales in the nose.

There was evidence of lots of burrowing after I returned, and the fir bark chips do get dusty, especially as the dust settles to the bottom.

He only sneezes now after a brief hold. I check on him in the morning to see if anything major has changed, and he'll sneeze a few times then and for a bit after putting him back. Once he's curled up in his home though I don't hear anything.

There is a good possibility he's hungry, and I'm thinking about offering him something small, like a hopper. He last ate 12 days ago, and I've been holding off because of the RI and shed.

I figure though if he eats it and can keep it down, what is the harm?

Thank you for the info.