Did you know that Hamster hibernate? I only found out today and started having PTSD, wondering if any of my past loved Hamsters have been disposed of by mistake! So, I’ve put together some information on whether your Hamster is hibernating or dead!
A hamster entering a condition of hibernation throughout the winter is quite normal. Your pet’s metabolic rate will reduce during hibernation, making it challenging to determine whether it is merely resting or has fallen ill or passed away.
You can safely look for indications of life if you are concerned about your hamster’s health.
Think about the room temperature
Only at very cold temperatures do hamsters hibernate. It’s unlikely that your hamster has begun to hibernate if the temperature in its cage is above 20°C. Increase the temperature gradually to above 20°C if the cage is near an open window or in an especially cold area of the room, and your hamster should wake within a few hours to a few days.
Check for breathing if it’s chilly enough for your hamster to have been hibernating. While in hibernation, the respiration rate can reduce to as little as one breath every two minutes, so keep a close eye on them for a while.
How to check if your Hamster has a heartbeat
You might need to listen for a heartbeat if you can’t tell if your hamster is breathing. To achieve this, simply place your forefinger and thumb on either side of the hamster’s chest, right above the elbows. This can be hard to discover. Put as much pressure on the area as you would if you were attempting to stop your hamster from running away without injuring it. You ought to begin to feel a pulse after about a minute.
Should I be worried if my Hamster feels cold?
Avoid using body heat as a gauge.
If your hamster gets cold, don’t worry. Coldness isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm because during hibernation your pet’s body temperature will drop to match the surroundings. However, if your hamster is also stiff and unresponsive despite the temperature being warm, it might have passed away.
We encouraged that you speak with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
