Many animals have developed the natural ability to enter a state of hibernation, more commonly known as "hibernation", to increase the chances of survival during the long, cold winter season. Hamsters in the wild usually hibernate when temperatures drop below 4.5 ° C. Being aware of these rodents' sensitivity to ambient temperature is important for anyone who owns a hamster.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding out if the Hamster is Hibernating
Step 1. Learn to recognize the indicator signs
Sometimes it is difficult to tell if the hamster has simply hibernated or if it has died. When in a state of hibernation, hamsters appear completely immobile and lifeless; breathing and heart rate slow down and the animal can go on for weeks without eating. Because a hamster's body is very small, it may not be easy to notice the faint signs of life still present during hibernation.
Step 2. Notice if it moves
When in full-fledged hibernation, hamsters do not move at all. However, they sometimes go into a lighter, more sleep-like state of hibernation, in which they often tremble or shake their heads. Noticing such movements is a clear sign that the hamster is still alive and well.
Step 3. Check for breathing
During hibernation, the hamster's breathing will be much slower than normal, but never completely absent. Take it in your hand and listen carefully to hear if it is breathing; you can also put a finger to his mouth to see if there is air.
Step 4. Check his body heat
The body of a hibernating hamster will continue to be warm, albeit with a slightly lower temperature than normal. A dead hamster, on the other hand, will completely lose its heat. If the animal is still warm, it is probably hibernating.
Part 2 of 3: Get Him Out of Hibernation
Step 1. Try to warm it up with your body
Take the hamster and hold it in your hand against your body, so that your heat warms it. Keep him like this for at least 30 minutes, then see if there are any changes in his behavior and if he seems to wake up.
Step 2. Warm it up with a flask full of hot water
Wrap the hamster in a towel along with a flask filled with hot water, making sure it doesn't touch the flask directly and the heat isn't excessive. In this way, his body will receive the heat it needs to come out of hibernation.
Step 3. Use a heat pillow
Place the hamster on a heat pillow heated to around 30 ° C for 30-60 minutes. It will help him warm up quickly and get out of hibernation.
If you don't have a heat pillow, try placing the hamster on a cloth over a radiator; will have the same effect. But remember to check it often and make sure the heat is not excessive
Step 4. Have him drink some warm milk
Try offering it to him in a dropper as soon as he begins to wake up, even if he is only partially alert. Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove and check that it is not too hot before feeding it - you should tolerate the temperature to the touch. You can also put it in a small bowl or water container.
Alternatively, you can try giving it water, sugar water, or an electrolyte preparation in a medicine dropper. Any way you manage to get him to ingest fluids will be fine: rehydrating him will help him come out of hibernation
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Him from Going Back to Hibernation
Step 1. Give him enough food and drink
The hamster could be pushed to hibernate by lack of food and water, because it would feel the need to conserve energy. It is therefore important that you always have plenty of food and water available.
Step 2. Make sure there is a thick, warm substrate in the cage
It will serve to create an isolated environment and sheltered from the cold, so as to prevent hibernation. If the hamster hibernates, try adding more substrate to prevent it from happening again.
Step 3. Provide him with a higher calorie diet to make him gain weight
If it accumulates more fat, it will be more difficult for it to hibernate. Try feeding him foods such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, or avocados. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as even a tiny amount can be too much for such a small animal.
Step 4. Prevent yourself during the winter
Pay more attention to your hamster's behavior during the cold winter months and make sure he spends enough time in the warmth. You could increase the amount of substrate in the cage and give it more caloric food than usual. Keep an eye on him to make sure he stays awake and alert throughout the cold season.
Advice
- Never leave a hamster on a radiator unsupervised.
- If your pet is not responding positively to the methods described in this article, consider getting him examined by a veterinarian.
- Hamsters have excellent hearing and can learn to recognize their owner's voice. Talking to him can help him emerge from hibernation.
