How do you know if your hamster is hibernating?

If you look closely at your hibernating hamster, you will notice that he is taking short, uneven breaths and is limp when you pick him up. His paws, ears and nose will be very cold to the touch. Hamsters do not wake up to drink when they are in hibernation and will become dehydrated.

When a hamster is hibernating or dead?

While they do look motionless, try to look at your pet for a few minutes. Breathing is a sure sign of the Hamster being alive and healthy! If your pet is just hibernating, you will undoubtedly notice them breathe every 2 minutes. Their chest and lower body are likely to inflate a bit with intervals in between.

What time of year do hamsters hibernate?

Many animals have developed the ability to hibernate as a natural way to increase chances of survival during the long, cold winter season. Hamsters typically go into hibernation mode in the wild during the wintertime when the temperature drops below 40°F (4.5°C).

Do all hamsters go into hibernation?

Most hamsters are not true hibernators Most wild hamster species live in regions that do not have particularly harsh winters, so they do not naturally hibernate. However, many species that sleep in cold conditions are not experiencing true hibernation. Instead, animals like hamsters experience a process called torpor.

Do hamsters hibernate with eyes open?

Open eyes are not necessarily a sign that your hamster is dead. They can hibernate with their eyes open, half closed or completely closed. If your hamster’s body is stiff like a board and you’re unable to bend the limbs this is usually rigor mortis – a sign that your pet has died.

What temperature is too cold for hamsters?

Suitable Temperature As for colder weather, make sure the room temperature never dips to less than 60 degrees, as that could lead to exhaustion and lethargy. With temperatures under 50 degrees, your pet hamster could go into hibernation mode. Extreme cold can kill hamsters.

Why is my hamster stiff and not moving?

The hibernation process is triggered by chilling and its body temperature will drop to match the environment. Check the hamster’s body for stiffness. If the hamster feels stiff and hard like board, then he may have rigor mortis, which is a sign of death.

What is the highest temperature a hamster can live in?

65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Keep hamsters at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Most varieties of hamsters come from desert climates and burrow during the day to avoid the heat. Their origination from the desert means that they cannot withstand cold temperatures.

Should I hold my dying hamster?

To potentially avoid any injury hold the hamster over your lap or a table in case it moves very suddenly. Once your furry friend is awake make sure you rehydrate them with small amounts of watery foods such as cucumber or watermelon; or simple water if they take it.

Can a dead hamster be limp?

UPDATE: A stiff hamster is a dead hamster. A hamster in this hibernation state or Torpor will feel limp or floppy when you pick him up. I take it from that, that hamsters can react in this way due to sudden drop in temperature.

When does a pet hamster go into hibernation?

Pet hamsters will start to hibernate when the temperatures go too low or if their food supply is low and is a survival technique to keep them alive. If your hamster goes into hibernation please don’t come to the conclusion they are dead! If you lightly touch them or stroke them they should show small signs of life.

Is the Syrian hamster an obligatory hibernator?

Obligatory hibernators always hibernate in the winter according to their body clocks, regardless of their environmental conditions. Hamsters such as the Syrian hamster fall into the first category.

Can a Siberian hamster stay awake in the winter?

They have fur, yes, but even the Siberian hamsters are not meant to stay awake at minus 20 Celsius/ minus 4 Fahrenheit. Their metabolism and heart rate slows down. The use much much less energy. They can sleep their way through winter, while hibernating.

What should the temperature be for a hamster?

Most types of hamsters are from desert climates, which means they cannot endure extremely low temperatures. You should aim to keep your hamster at around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or 18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Temperatures between this range will make your hamster much happier and more comfortable.