Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Knowing how to tell if your hamster is dead or hibernating is critical. You might have heard all those stories of hamster owners who almost buried their small animals alive because they thought they were already dead.

Last Updated: October 8, Approved. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed , times. Many animals have developed the ability to hibernate as a natural way to increase chances of survival during the long, cold winter season. Being mindful of their temperature sensitivities is an important part of being a hamster owner. To get a hamster out of hibernation, try waking it up with body heat by holding it against your body for about 30 minutes.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Start by checking its heartbeat and breathing rate. Your hamster might be faint and slow during hibernation but is still detectable. Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. Hibernation is common for hamsters and is a normal phenomenon. The sight of a motionless hamster in its habitat can momentarily startle any owner. Hibernation is a phenomenon where the animal sleeps for more extended periods to preserve their energy. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius, hamsters go into hibernation mode. 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 two minutes. Their chest and lower body are likely to inflate a bit with intervals in between. However, it is hard to detect it since their metabolism is already slow.

However, it is hard to detect it since their metabolism is already slow. Once your hamster starts becoming more alert, give it some warm milk through a medicine dropper to help it rehydrate and come fully out of hibernation. Feed it to your hamster in a bowl or in their water dropper container.

New hamster parents are often surprised to find their hamsters barely moving, sometimes even appearing dead. Depending on the situation, your hamster may even go into true hibernation. A hibernating hamster will appear to be asleep or even dead. They will be cool to the touch and may feel limp or stiff. They will not eat, drink, or eliminate. There may be no visible heartbeat or respiration, but you may see sporadic, shallow breathing if you look close enough. Not all species of hamsters have the same forms of hibernation behavior.

By Eddie Chevrel. Updated on March 11, If your pet hamster has been sleeping for an unusually long period of time, you may wonder whether he is hibernating or simply dead. This article will help you determine whether your critter is going through a period of hibernation or has unfortunately passed on. We will also discuss what hibernation looks like in hamsters and practical ways to keep your hamster safe and healthy during winter. Here are a few things you can check to determine whether your hamster is hibernating or dead:. See also: 8 signs your little hamster has unfortunately passed away.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Last Updated on: 24th September , pm. When hamsters go into torpor or temporary hibernation, they appear dead. They only show the slightest signs of life, which are easy to miss.

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However, be sparing with the fatty foods because a little goes a long way with tiny hamsters. Hold the hamster close to your stomach or chest for at least 30 minutes. Reader Success Stories. Being mindful of their temperature sensitivities is an important part of being a hamster owner. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. We believe that pets are not just animals but members of the family, and we strive to provide the best possible advice and support for pet lovers. Is my hamster dead or hibernating? If your hamster still has a heartbeat, it only means that it only hibernating and not dead. The body temperature of a hamster in a hibernation state will drop enough to keep up with the ambient temperature. Nadine Oraby My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. If your pet is just hibernating, you will undoubtedly notice them breathe every two minutes. Put your thumb and forefinger on either side of the chest of your hamster. Since some hamsters do hibernate during extremely cold weather, you may be forgiven if you assume that being motionless and cold is a sign that your hamster has died.

Start by checking its heartbeat and breathing rate. Your hamster might be faint and slow during hibernation but is still detectable.

Maybe give your hamster some extra bedding in its cage during the winter and provide more fatty foods than normal. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure it stays safe and alert during the cold season. The body may be cold and limp, then become stiff. Once your hamster starts becoming more alert, even if only slightly alert, try to give it warm milk through a medicine dropper. The back paws and the front paws will also be noticeably close to each other while the tail is tucked in. Start by checking its heartbeat and breathing rate. Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games. Ringworm in Hamsters. Trending Articles. A dead hamster will be curled up significantly more compared to the usual sleeping position. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Not Helpful 6 Helpful Samantha Cowie Mar 25,