How to Get a Hamster Out of Hibernation: 12 Steps

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How to Get a Hamster Out of Hibernation: 12 Steps
How to Get a Hamster Out of Hibernation: 12 Steps

Video: How to Get a Hamster Out of Hibernation: 12 Steps

Video: How to Get a Hamster Out of Hibernation: 12 Steps
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Many animals have evolved the ability to hibernate to increase their chances of surviving the winter cold. Hamsters usually go into hibernation in winter when the temperature drops below 4.5 °C. Knowing well about this temperature sensitivity is an important part of owning a hamster.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Finding out if the hamster is hibernating

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 1
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 1

Step 1. Notice the signs

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if the hamster is hibernating or if it has died. Hibernating hamsters are completely immobile and appear to have died. Your breathing and heart rate slow down a lot. They can go weeks without eating, and since hamsters are very small, it is difficult to see the subtle signs of life in the animal that is just hibernating.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 2
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 2

Step 2. Keep an eye on any movement

During hibernation, hamsters will move a little bit, but sometimes they may enter a lighter phase of hibernation in which they will shiver or shake their heads from side to side. These signs are good indicators that the hamster is just hibernating.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 3
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 3

Step 3. Look for signs of breathing

During hibernation, your hamster's breathing will be slower than normal, but it will not stop. Hold the hamster in your hand and listen carefully to hear it breathe. You can also put your finger near his mouth to see if you can detect the exhalation.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 4
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 4

Step 4. Feel his body heat

A hibernating hamster will keep its body temperature warm, even if it gets cooler than usual. If the hamster is really dead it will lose all its body heat, so if you feel heat in its body it is probably hibernating.

Part 2 of 3: Getting the hamster out of hibernation

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 5
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 5

Step 1. Try using body heat

Take the hamster and put it on your skin holding it in your hand. Use your body heat to warm the hamster. Keep holding him for at least 30 minutes and see if his behavior changes or if he seems more alert.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 6
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 6

Step 2. Warm the hamster with a hot water claw

Wrap the hamster in a towel with a bottle filled with hot water. The hamster should not be in direct contact with the bottle and should not get too hot. This will help warm up his body and get him out of hibernation.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 7
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 7

Step 3. Use a heated mat

Try placing the hamster on a small heated mat at 32°C for 30 to 60 minutes. This helps to warm up the pet quickly and get it out of hibernation.

If you don't have a heated mat, try putting your hamster in a towel over a radiator. The effect will be the same. Just don't forget to keep an eye on your pet and see if the heat isn't too hot for him

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 8
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 8

Step 4. Give the hamster warm milk

As soon as your hamster starts to become more alert, even a little, try giving him warm milk with an eyedropper. Heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave, but test it beforehand to ensure it is not too hot. You should be able to touch it without wanting to take your hand away right away. Give the hamster milk in a bowl or in his dropper container.

If you prefer, give plain water, sugar water, or an electrolyte drink, such as those used by athletes to rehydrate, using an eyedropper. Anything you can do to get him to drink water is a good idea. Rehydration helps the hamster to come out of hibernation

Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Hibernations

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 9
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 9

Step 1. Keep the hamster well served with water and food

Hibernation is sometimes triggered by lack of food or water in order to conserve energy. Prevent the hamster from going into hibernation again by giving it access to water and food at will.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 10
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 10

Step 2. Place warm covers on the cage

The cover will help insulate the temperature and protect the hamster from the cold. See if the pet has enough cover to avoid hibernation. If it starts to hibernate, add more covers to keep it from happening.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 11
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 11

Step 3. Offer a higher-fat diet

If the hamster has more body fat, it will not go into hibernation. Give foods that are richer in fat, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts or avocados. Don't give too much, as what seems too little to you can be too much for a small hamster.

Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 12
Get a Hamster out of Hibernation Step 12

Step 4. Be more attentive in winter

Pay more attention to the hamster's behavior and whether it appears to be warm during the colder months. You can add more coverage to his cage or feed him higher-fat foods than usual in winter. Keep an eye on your pet to keep it safe and alert during the cold season.

Tips

  • Never leave a hamster on top of a radiator without someone taking care of it.
  • If the hamster does not show any reaction to these methods, take him to the vet.
  • Do not give milk to the hamster!
  • Hamsters are small and have great hearing. If you talk to him, he'll start to recognize your voice, which can help bring you out of hibernation.

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